Lebanon's prime minister, Nawaf Salam, was due to chair an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon after a wave of food poisoning cases, The National reports.
At least 17 people, mostly children, were taken to hospital in the northern Akkar region over the weekend after eating contaminated pastries and, in some cases, meat. Last week the health ministry warned of a rise in suspected trichinosis, a parasitic illness usually caught from raw or undercooked meat, especially pork.
Tests ordered by Beirut's governor found the Trichinella spiralis parasite in meat from a restaurant in central Beirut, which was temporarily closed. Investigators, including military intelligence, then raided a Beirut warehouse belonging to its supplier, which was found to be unlicensed and failing basic hygiene standards and has been shut down. The economy ministry says it is cracking down on suppliers breaking food safety rules.
Source: The National