Imported and exported food is now being closely scrutinized at Middle East Airlines’ new cargo center, ministers said during an inspection Wednesday.
“For most [shipping] that takes place — [of goods in] transit, of Lebanese exports via the airport, or imported food — we ensure there is serious work [done to protect] people’s health and their right to excellent health,” Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb said, following a tour of the cargo center.
Chehayeb inspected the facility with Progressive Socialist Party official Taymour Jumblatt and Health Minister Wael Abu Faour, at the invitation of MEA Chairman Mohammad Hout.
Richard Mujais, MEA’s ground handling general manager, explained the work of the cargo center to the ministers. He stressed the importance of meeting international standards and having modern equipment and technology in keeping Lebanon connected to the rest of the world.
Chehayeb praised the work that has been done at the center and the progress that has been made there, saying he hoped it would serve as a model that can be expanded to other institutions in the country. “Today we are [seeing] a civilized model in a country that is suffering,” he said.
The tour also included a visit to the new pilot training center.
The $25 million cargo center was inaugurated in May. It was designed to speed up the inspection of goods and is equipped to handle all types and sizes of cargo.
At the time, Hout said the new center could store up to 165,000 tons of cargo, compared to the old building’s 65,000-ton capacity, hailing the ability of the facility to expedite the transport of air cargo between Lebanon and abroad.
Abu Faour also praised the work that has been done at the center. He recalled a visit to the airport’s refrigerated warehouses with Public Works Minister Ghazi Zeaiter.
“We remember the disgusting scenes and rotten smells ... the scene was pushing many Lebanese to abandon their faith in this country,” Abu Faour said. “Today we say, ‘[Look] at where we’ve been and how [far] we have come.’”
As part of nationwide crackdown on facilities that did not meet health standards, Abu Faour ordered the closure of food and medicine storage warehouses at Beirut’s airport in December, citing unsanitary conditions and expired items discovered during inspection.
“Food in Lebanon is safer [now] and this model is one that can [show] Lebanese citizens that we can make a difference,” Abu Faour said.
