On September 26, 2026, Egyptian authorities successfully raided and seized an illicit facility in east Alexandria that was involved in grinding coffee and mixing it with peas. The operation was carried out by the East Alexandria Supply Administration, in collaboration with the General Administration of Supply Investigations and food monitors from the Health Affairs Directorate. The facility was found to be using low-quality and unidentified raw materials in its production process.
The facility was discovered to be blending coffee with peas and using a fake trademark, which constitutes commercial fraud and deception aimed at achieving illegal profits. The authorities confiscated 42 bags of coffee, weighing 60 kg each, totaling 2,520 kg, with no documents indicating their source or ownership. Additionally, 24 sacks of yellow peas, weighing 25 kg each, totaling 600 kg, and 8 sacks of roasted peas, weighing 25 kg each, totaling 200 kg, were seized.
The seized peas and coffee were suspected to be unfit for human consumption and did not meet standard specifications. Furthermore, 5 bags of roasted coffee beans, weighing 25 kg each, totaling 125 kg, were also confiscated. The authorities also seized 1 sack of mixed peas, 600 packets of finished coffee products in various weights, totaling 250 kg, and several machines used in the production process.
The machines seized included 3 electric coffee grinders, 1 large coffee roaster, 2 electric scales, 1 small roaster, 3 small coffee grinders, and a machine for printing production and expiry dates. Additionally, 5,000 empty packets with a fake brand name, "Wadi Nile", were confiscated, which were intended for packaging the illicit products.
The East Alexandria Supply Administration, led by Muhammad Al-Adawi, and the General Administration of Supply Investigations, worked together to uncover and dismantle the illicit facility. The operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Egyptian authorities to combat commercial fraud and protect public health.
All necessary legal measures have been taken against those responsible for the illicit facility. The seized products and machines will be further investigated to determine their origin and the extent of the commercial fraud.
The incident highlights the importance of monitoring food production facilities to ensure they adhere to health and safety standards. Egyptian authorities continue to work to prevent similar incidents and protect consumers from health risks.
Key points
- Illicit coffee and peas processing facility seized in east Alexandria.
- Authorities confiscated large quantities of coffee and peas suspected to be unfit for human consumption.
- Machines and equipment used in the production process were also seized.
