Egyptian authorities shut down an unlicensed biscuit factory after inspectors discovered that it was producing counterfeit “Oreo” biscuits, using expired ingredients and a charcoal-based colouring instead of cocoa to imitate the popular brand owned by US snack giant Mondelēz International.
The factory, located in Kafr Shukr in Qalyubia Governorate, was raided during a food-safety campaign led by the Qalyubia Supply Directorate and local supply and domestic-trade officials.
Authorities said the factory produced biscuits, including products labelled “Oreo”—a brand owned by US snack giant Mondelēz International—as well as biscuits intended for ice-cream production.
During the operation, inspectors seized about 1.8 tonnes of raw materials and finished products.
The seized items included a 100-kilogram drum of expired glucose and three boxes containing about 30 kilograms of expired Royal-brand butter.
Authorities also found ingredients of unknown origin and other materials for which the operators could not provide invoices or documents showing their source.
Inspectors Found Vegetable Carbon Being Used in the Biscuits
Inspectors specifically found a plastic drum containing E153 vegetable carbon, a black food colouring that authorities said was being used to give the biscuits their dark appearance instead of cocoa.
Vegetable carbon is an approved food colouring in some markets. However, authorities are concerned about its alleged use as a cocoa substitute in an unlicensed factory that was also handling expired and undeclared ingredients.
The inspection also uncovered 50 cartons of finished biscuits weighing about seven kilograms each, as well as 55 sacks containing about 1,100 kilograms of biscuits apparently intended for reprocessing.
Authorities confiscated the raw materials and finished products and opened legal proceedings against those responsible for the facility.
Egypt Tightens Food-Safety Enforcement
Following the raid, Qalyubia Governor Hossam Abdel Fattah ordered authorities to intensify inspections of food factories, markets and other commercial establishments throughout the governorate.
He warned that businesses failing to comply with health and regulatory requirements would face legal action.
The raid comes as Egyptian authorities continue efforts to strengthen oversight of food production, including factory operating licences, ingredient traceability and product safety.
The case also raises concerns about the unauthorised use of established product labels. Authorities said some of the biscuits bore the “Oreo” name, although no link had been established between the factory and the brand owner.
For Egypt’s food-processing sector, the enforcement campaign is intended to ensure producers meet licensing and safety requirements before products reach consumers.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the outcome of the legal case or said whether other facilities linked to the operators are under investigation.
