Bread is much more than just a food in Ivory Coast; it's the cornerstone of the diet for millions of households, from breakfast to dinner. Yet, this symbol of conviviality sometimes hides a sordid reality. Behind the counters of some bakeries, hygiene is sacrificed, transforming a basic product into a genuine health hazard .

The "Supreme Quality" affair: A shockwave

The recent case of the Qualité Suprême bakery served as a wake-up call. Following an inspection, the Health Police ordered the immediate closure of the establishment and summoned its owner. The findings were unequivocal:

1. Unsanitary and poorly maintained premises.
2. Dirty or defective production equipment.
3. Total disregard for basic hygiene standards.

This intervention raises a burning question: if an establishment called "Supreme Quality" could fail to this extent, how many other bakeries are still operating in the shadows, in defiance of public health rules?

Profit before life: A system on its last legs

The problem extends far beyond this isolated case. In Abidjan, as well as in the rest of the country, consumer testimonies are multiplying, denouncing:

1. Dilapidated manufacturing workshops where nauseating smells prevail.
2. Questionable storage practices , exposing the dough and finished bread to bacteria.
3. A frantic race for profit , where reducing maintenance costs comes at the expense of customer safety.

"In their quest for quick profits, some operators forget that bread feeds the most vulnerable populations, especially children. Bacterial contamination can have fatal consequences."

For zero tolerance

While commendable, the actions of the Health Police must not remain a one-off success. To provide lasting protection for Ivorians, several measures must be taken:

1. Increased random checks across the entire territory.
2. Exemplary sanctions : Beyond closure, deterrent fines are necessary.
3. Total transparency : Systematically publish the list of non-standard bakeries to inform consumers.

Public health must no longer be sacrificed on the altar of profitability. It is time for strict hygiene to become the absolute norm, because eating bread should never be a game of Russian roulette.