In one of the most disturbing discoveries in Lebanon right now, more than 20 tonnes of children’s milk were found hidden and expired in a warehouse in Lebanon.
The milk, Nestle’s NIDO brand for ages under 1 and 2-3, reportedly expired while distributors waited for the subsidy to be removed.
Meanwhile, Lebanon is suffering – or mainly its babies are – from a shortage of baby formula, leaving families across the country distraught over their babies’ health and nutrition.
“The milk has spoiled while waiting for the subsidy to be lifted, while the children are starving and the parents are devastated because it is not available in the markets. The most corrupt are the monopoly dealers and the political system colluding with them. A day must be reckoned!” blasted Fadi Daou, the co-founder of Adyan Foundation.
May 19, 202110:51 AM UTC
Middle EastAnalysis: Cocoa and cashew nuts: Lebanon s long subsidy list is costing it dear
Maha Dahan
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A worker operates a forklift at Bohsali food warehouse in Bchamoun, Lebanon, May 5, 2021. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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As Lebanon s hard currency reserves dropped alarmingly last year, its subsidy programme expanded to include cocoa powder, cashew nuts and saffron.
The move was designed to support local producers who either made the goods or used them as ingredients, and to complement price support for core items like fuel and wheat aimed at ordinary people caught up in a spiralling financial crisis.
But for critics of the government, the additions were a sign of a bloated and poorly managed subsidy system that did not always reach the people it was meant to, encouraged smuggling and wasted precious reserves.
Analysis: Cocoa and cashew nuts - Lebanon s long subsidy list is costing it dear reuters.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from reuters.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.