Rabat – Morocco is stepping up its efforts to ensure the safety and quality of imported red meat through a rigorous control system implemented by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA).
Designed to safeguard public health, this framework applies to all imported meat, whether fresh or frozen and prioritizes compliance with both national and international standards.
ONSSA’s process begins long before the meat reaches Moroccan borders. Only countries that pass an in-depth risk assessment by ONSSA experts are authorized to export red meat to Morocco.
This evaluation examines the sanitary conditions of slaughterhouses and the competence of veterinary inspectors in the exporting nations.
Countries like the United States, Australia, and EU member states are among those permitted to supply goat and sheep meat, while beef imports are also allowed from Brazil, Paraguay, and Ukraine.
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Once imported meat arrives in Morocco, it undergoes extensive border checks. ONSSA ensures all shipments are accompanied by valid health certificates issued by the relevant authorities in the country of origin.
Inspectors verify these documents and conduct physical inspections to confirm proper cold storage, transportation conditions, and labeling compliance.
Another critical aspect of ONSSA’s oversight is verifying that all imported meat adheres to Islamic slaughter standards.
Certifications from authorized religious bodies in the exporting countries are required to confirm compliance. Beyond this, samples are taken for laboratory testing to detect any traces of chemical contaminants or veterinary drug residues, further guaranteeing the meat’s safety for consumers.
By implementing this meticulous system, Morocco ensures that imported meat meets the highest safety and quality standards.
Consumers can trust that the meat available in markets is not only halal-certified but also free from harmful substances and sourced from reliable suppliers.
Last Thursday, Morocco’s government council, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, convened to address key legislative and economic priorities, including stabilizing the country’s red meat market.
Among the measures adopted was draft decree No. 2.24.1050, which revises earlier decrees from January and October 2024 to increase import quotas and extend the suspension of duties on cattle and sheep imports.
