Jordan imposes travel ban on top industrialists over illegal milk powder shipment

Authorities in Jordan have imposed a travel ban on two prominent figures in the industrial sector, amid an ongoing investigation into a major food safety case involving approximately 50 tons of powdered milk.

Informed sources told Roya the shipment—originally cleared through the Port of Aqaba—was intercepted in March in the Al-Dhlail area by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), in coordination with security forces.

Investigations revealed that the powdered milk, intended strictly for limited food uses, was allegedly being diverted for unauthorized purposes. The truck drivers reportedly confessed key details, prompting authorities to refer the case to the public prosecutor.

A government source confirmed to Roya that the two banned individuals include a well-known powdered milk importer. Two additional individuals and a dairy factory operator are also implicated.

Initial findings suggest the shipment entered the country using an import license issued by the Ministry of Agriculture on Feb. 20, 2025, ostensibly for a chocolate factory owned by one of the suspects. However, the ministry has since denied issuing any license for powdered milk without the necessary technical manufacturing approvals.

The Ministry of Agriculture stressed its strict oversight over the use of powdered milk, which is banned from being used in dairy production. It is only permitted in specific food products such as cake, chocolate, ice cream, and processed yellow cheese.

The case remains under active investigation, with security agencies and JFDA officials continuing to collect testimonies and examine the full scope of the violations.