Libyan Member of Parliament (MP), Ziad Daghim, said that the Libyan Food and Drug Control Centre follows Administrative Control Authority structurally and follows Parliament’s oversight.
In a press statement to Fawasel Media, Daghim added that the rates of cancer in Libya are very high and need to be studied.
He stressed that after the recent conflicting information regarding carcinogens, there is a need for a higher and independent technical committee because Food and Drug Control Centre will bear the responsibility if it is confirmed that the entry of carcinogens is correct for the past period.
Omran Al-Qeeb, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, issued a statement to Prime Minister Abdelhamid Al-Dbaiba regarding the Ministry’s laboratories finding a carcinogenic substance in bread, and flour.
“We hope that you will take what you deem appropriate to preserve lives, as this substance threatens the lives of citizens,” he said.
The report revealed the presence of “Potassium Bromate” used as a bread improver, in excess quantities, “to the point of carcinogenicity.”
According to the report, the Libyan Advanced Centre for Chemical Analysis found large amounts in local bread. The centre collected samples from different bakeries, and found an increase of “300-1,300 times the permissible limit.”
The universities of Tripoli and Tobruk analysed samples, and found high concentrations in bread and flour as well.
️The centre, alongside the Tajoura Municipal Guard, collected eight samples, and sent them to a laboratory in Tunisia. The result confirmed the presence of the substance in all samples, in excess proportions.
️”The Inspection Office of the Ministry of Economy collected samples of flour from local mills, and the result was identical to what we reached,” the report added.
Mohamed Al-Hwaij, the Minister of Economy and Trade, issued Resolution No. 258 of 2021, banning the chemical.
In its first article, the resolution stipulated a ban on the import of Potassium Bromate, and its symbol in the Harmonised System is (9021-29-28), which is listed as a chemical compound.
In the second article, the resolution also stipulated banning the use of the chemical by owners of bakeries, sweets and pastry shops, and classifications in the production and manufacture of baked goods and pastries. It is strictly forbidden for mill owners to add it to the production of flour, and it is strictly forbidden to market or deal with it in any form.
In its third article, the resolution directed the police authorities, judicial officers, and members of the municipal guard to arrest violators of the provisions of the resolution, withdraw their licenses, confiscate the substance, and refer them to the competent authorities to punish them in accordance with the legislation in force.