CAIRO: Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) on Friday ordered the suspension of several high-profile food outlets after a wide-ranging inspection revealed the presence of dangerous bacteria and widespread violations. Among the most significant was B.Laban, a dessert franchise that has grown to become a household name across the country and the Arab region.

According to the NFSA, food samples from over 47 outlets tested positive for bacteria commonly associated with food poisoning. The samples also showed signs of spoilage due to improper storage and contained banned food coloring agents. “These bacteria primarily affect the digestive system and are a leading cause of foodborne illness,” the authority stated, confirming immediate action was taken to confiscate unsafe products and shut down the affected outlets.

B.Laban responded by announcing a complete suspension of operations across Egypt, citing what it called an “unprecedented crisis.” In an open letter to President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and state officials, the company claimed all 110 of its branches, factories, and facilities had ceased operations, leaving 25,000 employees in limbo.

The company also voiced concern over the lack of transparency, stating, “We have not been granted clarity regarding the reasons behind these measures or the mechanisms for resolution, leaving the company and its employees in a state of total paralysis.”

“All our operations in Arab countries depend on management and execution based in Egypt.”

Besides Egypt, Blaban operates in Saudi, UAE, Morocco, Libya, Jordan, Oman and Qatar.

While not denying the allegations, B.Laban acknowledged that “any large-scale operation may make mistakes” and declared its full readiness to undergo inspection and reform. The company also appealed to Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli “to intervene swiftly to protect a national enterprise that was born in this country, serves its people, and proudly carries its name abroad,” the company added in the letter, arguing that the shutdown threatens both the local economy and the company’s regional presence in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.

Founded in 2021 in Alexandria, B.Laban started as a modest dessert venture offering Egyptian staples such as rice pudding and Om Ali. It quickly expanded to become a flagship brand of Egyptian entrepreneurship, with franchises in multiple Arab countries.

The closures come just weeks after similar actions were taken in Saudi Arabia, where several B.Laban branches were temporarily closed following food poisoning complaints.

Other chains under NFSA scrutiny include Karam El Sham, Kunafa and Basbousa, Wahmi, and Am Shaltet—all now facing temporary shutdowns.

The NFSA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health, stating that inspections will continue “without leniency” and encouraging the public to report any violations through the Consumer Protection Hotline.