Whistleblower Sparks Food Fraud Trial

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Alone warehouse employee’s refusal to falsify food expiry dates has triggered one of Bahrain’s largest food fraud cases in recent years, with the Third High Criminal Appeals Court set to deliver its verdict on August 20.

The case began when the worker reported to the Northern Governorate Police that he had been coerced into altering expiry dates on expired food products. He provided video evidence showing the process of removing original dates and replacing them with false ones, prompting the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to swiftly shut down the warehouse and related outlets.

Massive evidence haul

Investigators from the Public Prosecution inspected the warehouse, questioned 29 suspects, and seized more than 14,000 expired food items along with chemicals used to erase original dates. Forensic examination confirmed the tampering, and some falsified products were found for sale in other markets. The original ruling by the first-instance court imposed prison sentences ranging from two to three years, fines exceeding BD200,000, and the closure of both companies for six months. One company owner was sentenced to three years in prison and fined BD100,000, while his brother was fined BD101,000. A company official received a three-year sentence, and 19 workers were each sentenced to two years, with all foreign defendants to be deported after serving their sentences.

Food safety warning

Additionally, both food distribution companies were fined BD10,000 each, and all spoiled and counterfeit products and related tools were ordered to be confiscated and destroyed. Public Prosecution officials reiterated that food safety is a top priority and warned that endangering public health constitutes a serious crime that will be met with strict legal action.

The defence has appealed, seeking to overturn the convictions and acquit their clients. The final verdict will be issued on August 20.