Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade in the caretaker government, Amin Salam, revealed that "a new serious crime has come to light, committed by manipulators of expiration dates on essential supplements for infant growth for financial gain." The single investigative judge in Baabda overseeing juvenile cases in Mount Lebanon, Jouel Abu Haidar, issued a decision banning the sale of Fresh Multi Plus vitamins and Fresh Zinc vitamins in pharmacies, intended for newborns due to tampering with the expiration dates. The file has been referred to the public prosecution in Mount Lebanon.
Salam added, "The act of fraud and manipulation of children's health and the expiration dates of essential medicines and vitamins for their growth is a crime punishable by law, necessitating that the Ministry of Health bear direct responsibility for the health sector, as well as the Pharmaceutical Syndicate and the judiciary, with accountability needed, since passing the blame between pharmacists, warehouse owners, and import company officials is ineffective."
He continued, "Our health security is at risk, and the negligence regarding our children's health is a premeditated and intentional crime. It is now essential to arrest the responsible traders immediately in preparation for their trial and imprisonment."
