Rabat – Conflicting reports from government officials regarding the state of food prices in Morocco continue to raise questions and criticism among the country’s citizens, with the latest controversy concerning the food safety standards in the country.

The spokesperson for Morocco’s government Mustapha Baitas had caused controversy when he claimed that he could buy meat for MAD 75 per kilogram, when the country’s Minister of Agriculture Mohammed Sadiki had confirmed that the price is MAD 80, with some markets even reaching MAD 95 and MAD 100.

Reacting to Baitas’s claim, many in opposition parties and other observers pointed out that it is only possible for such a price to be available if the meat came through unlicensed slaughterhouses, meaning that it would not be safe for consumption.

Baitas responded by asserting that he “was in good health” after eating the meat in question and continued asserting that the government is putting measures in place to mitigate price increases ahead of Ramadan.

Food safety standards

The discussion has since evolved beyond Baitas’ comments or meat consumption, with some pointing to the government spokesperson’s comments as a symptom of a wider problem in Morocco’s food safety regulations.

For instance, a 2018 report from Morocco’s Court of Accounts found that the number of slaughterhouses that were registered with the country’s regulators was “very limited.”

Out of 180 municipal slaughterhouses in the country, only one was officially accredited by Morocco’s National Office for Health Safety of Food Products (ONSSA).

The report drew attention to several shortcomings in Morocco’s slaughterhouses, including the lack of clean water in the facilities, absence of adequate freezing facilities, as well as uncleanliness and mismanagement.

Sadiki himself acknowledged those shortcomings last year, saying that most slaughterhouses in Morocco “do not fulfill the minimum requirements of health safety.”

That admission of the falling health and safety standards in Morocco’s unregulated slaughterhouses was what led to comments about Baitas’ health following his claims of eating cheap meat.

Some have also criticized the government spokesperson for seemingly suggesting that Moroccans should seek out those cheaper products as well, despite their safety and health concerns.

Food prices

A sense of frustration over increasing prices and inflation that has been building up over the past year has culminated in increased criticism and protest against the Aziz Akhannouch-led government in recent weeks.

Although the head of government has pledged to lower prices before the month of Ramadan, many remain skeptical of the promise and point to the increasing prices and signs of corruption in the government.

Moroccans took to the streets this week in cities like Tangier and Meknes this week, demanding that the government tackle the issues plaguing Moroccan markets, as well as social disparities.

On Tuesday, President of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) parliamentary group, Abdellah Bouanou, joined in the criticisms, calling out the government’s unresponsiveness when faced with soaring prices and growing frustration among citizens.

“The government says everything to say nothing,” he said in a press conference.

In addition, Bouanou accused the current government of corruption, particularly pointing to Morocco ranking 94th and achieving a score of 28 out of 100 in the latest corruption index from Transparency International.

The index also showed that 53% of Moroccans thought corruption increased over the past year.

The Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) recently announced a series of protests to take place on February 19 to condemn the soaring food prices, as the dissatisfaction with the current government shows no signs of stopping.