'Remedia effect' – food and drugs importers held emergency meeting

An emergency meeting of food importers and manufacturers was held in the Tel Aviv Chamber of Commerce last week, to discuss the developing 'Remedia effect' crisis at the three main ports, after Health Ministry inspectors further tightened their inspection of imported food-related items. Five years ago, Humana Milchunion, the German manufacturer of Remedia's product, removed an essential vitamin, B1, from its vegan baby formula. Three babies died as a result of the vitamin lack.
 
Remedia failed to inform the public of the change, and its packages did not reflect the actual vitamin content.
 
Health ministry inspectors who failed to pick up on the matter were recently indicted for negligence.
 
The meeting was called by Uriel Lynn, President, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce who invited the heads of the Health Ministry and top importers of food and drugs to discuss the issue.
 
Health Ministry inspectors at the main land air and seaports of entry are responding to the indictments by tightening inspection of imported containers of food, raw materials, drugs, food additives and other items. Many containers have been held up at ports for weeks. Lynn sent urgent letters to the Health Minister and Minister of Justice requesting both to accept ministerial responsibilities to find venues that will ease the grave situation.
 
Participants at the meeting reported enormous losses to their businesses, in addition to shortages of essential food items and drugs.