Member of the "Democratic Gathering" and MP Wael Abu Faour revealed the use of certain agricultural chemicals banned in Lebanon according to decisions from the Ministry of Agriculture and Health. He emphasized that "it is established that these chemicals cause diseases, with some using them out of ignorance, some due to lack of alternatives, and others due to 'lack of conscience.'"
In a press conference at the Parliament regarding food corruption, he disclosed that "there are three chemicals used in the market that are carcinogenic," highlighting the presence of a smuggling mafia that brings these substances into Lebanon through Syria and the Port of Beirut. He noted that these chemicals are also introduced via deceptive approvals from the Ministry of Health, claiming they are cleaning products.
Abu Faour announced that he will submit a report to the Public Prosecution with all the evidence he possesses to stop the crime of introducing these agricultural materials, urging the Ministry of Health to reconsider all the approvals it grants. He added, "The Ministry of Agriculture must act to withdraw all these substances from the markets and warn farmers against using them, and a guiding plan should be formulated with them. I will provide the Minister of Agriculture with all the details. Additionally, the Ministry of Health should reassess all approvals and verify its documents to prevent deception and the introduction of these substances under the guise of cleaning or other products."
Abu Faour called on the Prime Minister to hold an "emergency meeting with the concerned ministers, namely the Ministers of Health, Environment, Agriculture, Interior, and Justice, to at least minimize the harm inflicted on Lebanese citizens without exception," hoping for a swift action from all security agencies to put an end to this issue.
