Ivory Coast: His bakery closed, he continued to sell bread in secret.

Despite a sanitary closure and a request to bring the bakery up to standard, it allegedly continued to produce and sell bread in secret.

A case of bread sold clandestinely is shaking Abobo PK18. In Ivory Coast, the promoter and manager of a bakery closed for poor hygiene was sentenced to three years in prison, after continuing his activities despite a closure order.

The establishment, identified as Hobin Bakery, had been closed by the Health Police of the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage. The officers accused the bakery of producing bread and pastries under conditions deemed insufficient for hygiene.

Following the closure, the establishment's manager was reportedly asked to bring the premises up to code. However, according to reports, operations did not cease. Bread continued to be produced and sold discreetly, despite the ban.

The person in charge was then arrested and brought before the public prosecutor on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The charges against him included endangering the lives of others and violating hygiene and sanitation regulations.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, the Abobo court found him guilty. He was sentenced to three years in prison and fined three million CFA francs.

This case comes amid increased inspections of food establishments that fail to comply with health regulations. Several bakeries in Abidjan had already been singled out, with administrative closures ordered to protect consumers.

Beyond the case of Abobo PK18, this case highlights the sensitivity of the issue. Bread is consumed daily by many families. When production conditions are deemed questionable, health authorities believe the risk can quickly escalate beyond a simple administrative oversight.