Major food service chains in Egypt shut down after detection of pathogenic bacteria

CAIRO – 18 April 2025 - The National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) announced temporary closure of several major food chains, including the popular dessert shops of B Laban brand, after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria linked to food poisoning in numerous products.

Earlier today, B Laban announced that all its 110 outlets across Egypt have been closed, affecting around 25,000 employees.

B Laban, a well-known Egyptian brand in the region with outlets in multiple Arab countries, issued a statement regarding the “unprecedented crisis” that its shops are passing through.

The popular chain said it is currently suffering a complete cessation of all operations and an inability to continue or meet operational obligations.

B Laban described itself as “a model that proves that Egypt is capable of exporting successful investment brands” capable of brining foreign currency to the nation, asserting that its closure is a loss for the national economy.

The company did not specify the reasons for the closure but said they “are aware that any entity operating at this scale may make mistakes, but we are always ready to review, correct, and develop.”

B Laban is not alone in facing scrutiny; other affected establishments include the shawarma chain Karam Al Sham, dessert shops Kunafa and Basbousa, the bustling burger joint Wahmy, and Am Shaltat, known for its traditional feteer.

The NFSA said it conducted extensive inspections of factories and retail locations associated with these chains following numerous consumer complaints of food poisoning symptoms.

"Inspection teams collected samples from raw materials and products at factories and outlets and the results revealed pathogenic bacteria in numerous items prepared for sale," the NFSA stated.

“These bacteria are known to be a leading cause of food poisoning, primarily affecting the digestive system,” the authority stressed.

The inspection also uncovered the presence of internationally banned color additives in some products, alongside improper storage practices that could lead to spoilage and compromise food quality, the authority added.

The NFSA reported visiting 47 locations affiliated with the implicated food chains, confiscating and destroying quantities of products deemed unfit for human consumption.

The authority stressed that rigorous inspection efforts will continue in the coming period, with a zero-tolerance policy for violations.