Heinz International Company for Food Industries
Egyptian newspapers and websites circulated a very serious issue concerning the health of the Egyptian people, as various newspapers and websites reported news of the corruption of foodstuffs produced by Heinz International Company causing serious injury to the Egyptian people. The officials of Heinz Company were surprised of such news, It is an international company having many branches all over the world, and of course, its branch in Egypt is one of the largest branches in the Middle East and Africa. Hence, such news can lead to a severe disturbance in its reputation and financial status, especially that thousands of young Egyptians work in it. Because of the public opinion against the company, the Public Prosecution charged its officials of adulteration of food products (Tomato Sauce) by keeping expired materials inside the factory for using it in the finished products to offer them for sale. They were also accused of managing Cairo Food Industries Company- Heinz Egypt - without license; lack of hygiene in manufacturing; storing and handling food in places not met the requirements of hygiene and the use of sixteen workers without carrying a health certificate provides that they are free from infectious diseases and microbes. The company accelerated to assign the task of defending it on Dr. Mohammed Hamoda, who asked the Public Prosecution to form a technical committee to take a sample to be sent to central laboratories for examination, determine its validity for human use, and the extent of its compliance with the standard specifications. The report of this committee explains the fact that all samples and seizures are valid and suitable for human consumption. The company officials were brought to trial on the charges against them. Dr. Mohammed Hamoda pleaded for them reviewing the evidences and technical reports that refute these charges. The pleading continued for several hours continuously and the court was convinced by the pleading of Dr. / Hamoda and rendered its decision of the acquittal of the officials of Heinz International Company of all charges against them. This had the largest impact by protecting the entity of the largest branch in Middle East and Africa.