Senegal’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the withdrawal of several food products deemed unfit for consumption following an inspection operation carried out in Colobane, Dakar region, after alerts were circulated on social media.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, officers from the Consumer Affairs and Consumer Safety Division, under the Directorate of Domestic Trade (DCI), conducted inspections at markets and warehouses following reports raising concerns over the alleged safety risks of BX-brand soft drinks.
The operation led to the seizure of 1,278 packs of BX soft drinks, representing 30,672 cans of 250 ml, as well as 37 cartons of BEST sweetened beverages containing 888 bottles of 330 ml and 429 cartons of DALIA couscous, equivalent to 5,148 one-kilogram packets. Other non-compliant food products were also removed from the market.
The ministry said all seized products had been withdrawn from commercial circulation and that legal proceedings had been initiated against the trader involved, in accordance with current regulations.
Reaffirming that public health protection remains a priority, the authorities said they would continue to strengthen monitoring efforts nationwide to ensure that marketed products comply with safety standards.
The ministry also urged consumers to remain vigilant when making purchases, systematically check the condition of packaging and product expiry dates, and report any suspicious products through the toll-free number 800 80 77 77.
TE/lb/as/APA