Algiers, November 23, 2025 – National Gendarmerie forces have dismantled a clandestine cheese production operation in Ouled Mendil, a suburb of Algiers. The raid uncovered a network involved in altering expiration dates on food products and producing fraudulent cheese using expired and unidentified ingredients.
According to a statement released by the Gendarmerie, the operation was launched following intelligence received about a warehouse storing expired powdered milk, subsidized by the state, for use in cheese production. Authorities coordinated with the Public Prosecutor, the Directorate of Commerce, and the municipal health office before raiding the location.
Investigators discovered that the workshop lacked any official documentation authorizing its commercial activity. The raid resulted in the seizure of approximately 400 bags of spoiled powdered milk, expired cheese products, 660 kilograms of expired raw materials, and 3,792 kilograms of ready-to-consume cheese. Authorities also confiscated 25 cartons of plastic packaging, 175 bags of sodium powder, counterfeit labels mimicking those of a legitimate company, and 30 forged wooden stamps from various food distribution businesses.
A legal case has been opened against those involved. They will face charges including illicit speculation in essential goods, misuse of subsidized raw materials, unauthorized storage of raw materials, operating an undeclared refrigeration unit, product counterfeiting, using expired food ingredients, and engaging in unregistered commercial activity. The suspects will be presented before the relevant judicial authorities.
The National Gendarmerie continues its efforts to combat food fraud and protect public health.
