The President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, Salim Zeenni, announced the Association’s strong objection to the way Lebanese factories are being treated during product quality and safety inspections. He also expressed serious reservations about the hasty process that led to the shutdown of the Tannourine Water plant and the withdrawal of its products from the market.

Zeenni called on the government to adopt a scientific, balanced, and transparent mechanism for monitoring industrial and food products, revealing that the Association will soon submit a draft law to establish such a system.

He stressed that it is unacceptable to treat the legitimate industrial sector in this manner, emphasizing that before resorting to public accusations, authorities should conduct additional tests and confirm results conclusively to avoid causing irreparable harm to companies and the industry’s reputation.

Zeenni also urged the concerned ministers to investigate how samples were taken and who filed the complaint, noting that there are several indicators that raise doubts about the way the issue was handled.

He further called on all Lebanese factories facing any form of blackmail or intimidation to immediately contact the Association, assuring that the ALI will act swiftly and decisively to protect any factory from unjust harm.

During a press conference held at the Association’s headquarters, attended by board members, industrialists, and media representatives, Zeenni reaffirmed that the Association is deeply committed to public health and food safety, and that legitimate Lebanese industrialists adhere strictly and transparently to the highest international standards, particularly in the health and food sectors.

Zeenni highlighted that Lebanese factories have always upheld Lebanon’s reputation, even in the toughest circumstances, maintaining strict self-monitoring and conducting regular laboratory tests to ensure the quality and competitiveness of their products.

He described Tannourine Water as a model of excellence in national industry, known for its long-standing compliance with Lebanese laws and international testing standards, both locally and abroad.

Zeenni also commended the Ministers of Industry, Agriculture (acting) , and Health for their efforts to contain the issue, correct its course, and stop the wave of misinformation that spread in recent days.

He concluded by urging for a fair and scientific approach in dealing with industrial matters, stressing that Lebanon’s national industry is among the best in the world, providing livelihoods for more than 230,000 families, and that protecting it requires accuracy, fairness, and respect for due process before taking any damaging decisions.