Markets in the Houthi-controlled governorates and the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, are flooded with expired food items.
Regulatory bodies constantly announce the confiscation and destruction of large quantities of expired products from Yemeni stores and markets, and of referring those responsible to justice.
However, Houthis have recently started confiscating the expired products and putting them back on the market to make large financial profits.
In governorates controlled by the militia group, expired food items were previously sold on carts and on sidewalks or were used to produce food items suitable for consumption.
Recently, such products were seen displayed on the shelves of supermarkets although Houthi-run supervisory authorities permanently announce that they have seized large quantities of them.
A businessman from Sanaa told Asharq Al-Awsat that expired food items have spread in the market because they turned into a profit source for the Houthi militias.
He said the rebel group blackmails merchants, confiscates their goods, even if they were not expired, and then threatens them to close their stores and hold them accountable.
The businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, said that to compensate for their losses due to the measures imposed by the Houthi militia, several merchants sell expired materials instead of destroying them.
He said Yemenis buy these products knowing that they had expired only to buy them at much lower prices.
Last week, the Houthi media said the group’s supervisory authorities controlled a company that was storing expired food items before they were recycled in private factories in the capital.
Its owner was arrested along with tons of expired products in five warehouses and factories.
The Houthi-run Ministry of Trade and Industry said 15 brands of expired and recycled goods are sold at the local market under the name of 15 fake international and local companies and of nearly 40 imitated brands.
Observers believe that expired materials are sold in poor neighborhoods, where residents are not aware of the threat they leave on their health.
A source at the Ministry admitted that expired food commodities are flooding the markets, and that Houthi supervisory authorities allow merchants to sell expired items in return for turning a blind eye on selling in broad daylight.
The source, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity, asserts that companies and merchants that support the militias commit these violations and harm the health of citizens without being questioned or held accountable.
He added that many expired materials are also being distributed as aid as part of relief programs provided by the militias to ameliorate their image.
“The Houthi militia often exchange those expired items for relief aid provided by foreign countries and international organizations,” the source stressed.
