Cairo, July 22 -- Egypt has removed 850,000 people from its food subsidy scheme following a nationwide review of ration card beneficiaries, with many discovering their benefits had been suspended when they attempted to collect subsidised bread and food in July.

According to media reports, the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade said the exercise is intended to update beneficiary records and ensure state support reaches those most in need. While the ministry said about 850,000 people were removed in June, several members of parliament have claimed the actual figure is closer to one million.

The review has sparked criticism from affected families and lawmakers, who argue that the exclusion criteria and beneficiary databases contain erro...