Industrialists condemn rapid
closure of Tannourine Water

Call for closure of non-licensed factories

The Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) has strongly criticized the government’s sudden decision to halt operations at the Tannourine water plant and withdraw its products from the market.

Salim Zeenni, Chairman of ALI, described the move as hasty and unfair, particularly toward legitimate industrial operators. He said that before publicly alerting the population and effectively tarnishing the company’s reputation, authorities should have conducted additional testing to verify results. “This premature public exposure has already caused significant damage,” Zeenni said.

He questioned what measures would restore the company’s reputation and consumer confidence if subsequent results show the water was not contaminated. “Who will compensate Tannourine for these losses? Who will rebuild trust in its products both domestically and internationally?” he asked.

Zeenni said that authorities should prioritize inspections of unlicensed factories that operate outside regulatory oversight, while reaffirming that the association and its members strictly adhere to the law and prioritize public health.

Highlighting the rigorous standards maintained by Lebanese industries, he said: “Licensed factories closely monitor their own compliance and conduct regular tests to ensure adherence to quality standards, producing products that compete globally. Tannourine Water is a proud example of Lebanese industry, with a long-standing commitment to all applicable regulations. Its products undergo strict local and international testing.”

The industrialists’ leader called on government ministers to clarify how the samples leading to the plant’s suspension were collected and by whom, noting that all samples taken directly from the factory confirmed the water’s safety. He praised the temporary efforts of the Ministries of Industry, Agriculture, and Health to contain the issue and halt the unwarranted negative publicity.

Zeenni also criticized the procedures for market sampling, stressing that sufficient quantities should be tested in internationally accredited laboratories, particularly for food and beverage industries, which he said had not been followed in this case.

He warned that the premature actions against Tannourine have broader implications for the entire industrial sector. “National industry has carried Lebanon through its toughest crises and employs around 230,000 families, with Tannourine alone employing 600. Decisions like this threaten livelihoods rather than protect public health,” Zeenni said.