Latest news with #NationalOfficeforFoodSafety
Morocco World
15-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Tuberculosis Risk Tied to Untreated Milk Consumption Alarms Morocco
Doha – Social media posts about neck lymph node cases linked to raw milk consumption prompted Moroccan health authorities to address mounting public concerns over tuberculosis transmission on Tuesday. The National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) asserted that dairy products from licensed production units undergo rigorous monitoring protocols. An ONSSA official told local news outlets that products from unlicensed facilities or those marketed outside controlled channels pose substantial health risks. Medical experts revealed that while human-to-human transmission accounts for 90% of tuberculosis cases, animal-to-human transfer constitutes 10% of cases in certain countries. The bacteria spread through direct animal contact or consumption of their products, with unpasteurized milk posing the greatest risk. Research indicates that cattle, sheep, goats, cats, and dogs can harbor tuberculosis bacteria without displaying immediate symptoms, remaining contagious for months. The disease progresses gradually, with late-stage symptoms manifesting in both animals and humans. Contaminated raw milk from infected animals presents the primary transmission route. Medical authorities noted that milk from monitored farms still requires heat treatment, as asymptomatic animals may carry bacteria. Lymph node tuberculosis emerges as the predominant form from dairy contamination, potentially affecting other organs. Health officials classified three safe milk categories: pasteurized (60-70°C), sterilized (above 100°C), and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed milk, which maintains freshness for six months without refrigeration. Read also: Morocco Vaccinates 8.88 Million Children to Combat Measles Outbreak Public concern surged after social media users circulated videos depicting individuals with swollen neck glands. Besides tuberculosis, untreated milk can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, digestive system disorders, and in extreme cases, death, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. ONSSA pointed out that consumers should check for authorization numbers printed on packaging to verify product safety. The office cautioned against purchasing milk from unregulated vendors or consuming traditional cheese made from untreated milk. The situation triggered demands for enhanced market surveillance and consumer education about safe consumption practices. Officials maintained that heat treatment preserves milk's nutritional value while safeguarding against health risks. Tags: The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA)tuberculosis
Morocco World
20-03-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Imposes Ban on Slaughter of Female Sheep and Goats Until March 2026
Rabat – Morocco has officially implemented a ban on the slaughter of female sheep and goats, effective from March 19, 2025, until the end of March 2026. The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture issued a joint circular to regional governors, provincial officials, and the Director General of the National Office for Food Safety to enforce this measure. The circular explained that the ongoing consecutive droughts have severely impacted the national herd of sheep and goats, resulting in a 38% decrease in livestock numbers compared to 2016. Rising market prices and the cost of fodder have meanwhile forced many breeders to reduce their herds by slaughtering female animals intended for breeding, which poses a long-term threat to the sustainability of the livestock sector. The primary goal of the ban is to better manage the development of livestock structures and to support efforts to rebuild the national herd. The action plan also specifies that the ban will be enforced at national slaughterhouses, with exceptions made for animals deemed unfit for breeding, non-productive animals, or those with more than eight permanent teeth. Imported animals intended for fattening or slaughter are also exempt from the ban. Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bawari emphasized that the decision is part of a broader national strategy aimed at restructuring the sector and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and economic factors. Authorities stressed the need for strict enforcement, in partnership with local and regional authorities, who will be responsible for educating rural communities about the importance of complying with the ban. The veterinary services of the National Office for Food Safety will oversee monitoring and ensuring adherence to the regulations. The ban has been in effect at all approved slaughterhouses since last week, with efforts underway to extend its enforcement to informal slaughter locations. This initiative is aimed at reducing the uncontrolled exploitation of Morocco's livestock resources. Under the royal directives of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has officially canceled the Eid al-Adha ritual sacrifice of cattle due to the consecutive droughts and the resulting challenges that have negatively impacted the country's agricultural seasons and economy over the past six years. Tags: Eid Al Adhafemale sheepslivestock in Morocco
Morocco World
13-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's ‘Affordable Fish' Initiative Sells 2,150 Tons of Seafood Across 40+ Cities
Rabat – The seventh edition of the 'Affordable Fish' initiative has been a huge success since its launch and has benefited citizens in many Moroccan cities, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. 2,150 tons of frozen fish have so far been sold at reasonable prices since the initiative started on February 22, said the ministry's state secretariat for maritime fisheries. The initiative aims to meet the increasing demand for seafood at affordable prices in the wake of public outrage over exaggerated fish prices. Under the initiative, the original plan was to distribute over 4,000 tons of fish across Morocco. The number of cities with sales points has now exceeded 40, including Casablanca, Rabat, Sale, Fez, Agadir, Marrakech, and Dakhla, among others. The ministry added that mobile fish caravans are also reaching more remote areas to ensure that people everywhere have access to seafood, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Sales points have experienced a high number of customers, with nearly 400 people visiting each location daily, according to the statement. The ministry attributed the strong demand to public trust in the quality and pricing of the frozen fish provided. All fish go through strict safety checks by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), it added. Distribution is set to be expanded in the upcoming weeks through improved logistics and better coordination between fishing industry actors. This will help maintain a steady supply of seafood throughout Ramadan. Morocco has seen a heated debate over fish prices following an initiative by a young man from Marrakech who began selling sardines at MAD 5 ($0.50) per kilo, challenging the usual market price of MAD 25 ($2.50). He attributed high fish prices to middlemen, or 'Chnaqa,' who have long stood accused of exaggeratingly inflating costs. Other fishermen confirmed that wholesale sardine prices range from MAD 2.5-3 ($0.25-0.30), questioning why consumers are charged much more.
Morocco World
06-03-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
ONSSA Reassures Moroccans About Red Meat Safety Amid Controversy
Rabat– The National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) has reassured Moroccan consumers about the health of the country's livestock following concerns over the safety of red meat. The controversy erupted when a breeder claimed that the meat from these animals contains a harmful antibiotic. The video, which circulated on social media, stated that the livestock requires a waiting period of about two months before consumption. In response to these claims, ONSSA issued a statement confirming that the national livestock is in good health and is regularly monitored throughout the year by veterinary services, both public and private, in cooperation with local authorities. ONSSA asserted that the use of veterinary medicines, including prescriptions and their administration, is strictly regulated. These practices are reserved for licensed veterinarians, who provide them after making a precise diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment. Regarding vaccines, ONSSA clarified that these are biological substances designed to protect animals from diseases and strengthen their immunity, posing no risk to human, animal, or environmental health. The vaccines are exclusively administered by the office's veterinary services and private veterinarians as part of animal disease prevention programs. The national food regulator explained that antibiotics are only used in specific cases and only when necessary, under veterinary prescription after a diagnosis of illness. It added that these antibiotics are never administered preventively. ONSSA further said it is affirming its commitment to food safety by implementing an annual nationwide program that monitors veterinary drug residues, including antibiotics, in meat destined for consumption. The program involves thorough sampling and analysis in ONSSA laboratories, with results consistently showing no traces of veterinary drug residues in the meat. The animals destined for consumption undergo rigorous daily health checks in the country's slaughterhouses, supervised by veterinary inspectors. This inspection includes verifying the potential presence of traces of veterinary drug injections. After all these tests, the meat is stamped and allowed to leave the slaughterhouses only if it meets health and safety standards. Morocco has officially canceled Eid Al Adha, the Islamic ritual sacrifice of cattle, due to the ongoing drought crisis and attendant challenges that have negatively impacted Morocco's agriculture seasons and the country's entire economy for the past six years. Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq announced the news in a televised message, stating that the announcement is in line with King Mohammed VI's directives. Tags: livestocklivestock in MoroccoONSSAred meat safety
