More compliance with food safety in hospitality sector

The Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Patisseries and Night Clubs yesterday handed the tourism minister, Avedis Guidanian, a copy of a report on food safety it prepared in coordination with GWR Consulting and Boecker. The report has shown that since the launch of the food safety campaign back in 2014 and until 2018, the sector’s indicator raised to 86% from 78%, which is satisfactory. The report also indicated an increased compliance with food safety standards and specifications, and a better awareness by consumers, workers in the industry and the entire food chain, resulting in fast-tracked success of the above campaign. (for the complete report, kindly refer to the link: https://bit.ly/2HHs0ph). Guidanian pledged to follow up the release of the executive decrees related to the food safety bill, pointing out that the Lebanese cuisine has extensively improved aided by said law. Consequently, Guidanian said, this contributes to attracting tourists, anticipating a promising tourism season compared to the past 7 years. The minister revealed that he visits restaurants on periodic basis to inspect the prices preventing any violations or manipulation of tourists to this effect. The minister also talked about the hotel occupancy fee approved by the state budget, stressing that it is an essential step for securing revenues for his ministry, as well as for the establishment of the tourism authority aimed to promote Lebanon’s image in the world. (Al Diyar, May 29, 2019)