Rabat- Morocco’s National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) has revealed that authorities seized 14 tons of spoiled dates in Marrakech and 795 kilograms of rotten meat in Ain Atiq, near Rabat.
Authorities also seized 500 kilograms of perished garlic and 500 kilograms of expired pastry products May 23-24 in the Safi-Marrakech region, thanks to monitoring operations during Ramadan in food markets, according to the ONSSA.
The Al Karam Association, which manages dates and dried fruit in Marrakech, said that the seized dates were meant for animal feed, not for human consumption.
ONSSA added that the association is working to provide refrigerators to store the dried fruit.
Similar measures may need to be considered for meat storage in rural souqs or flea markets, as ONSSA also recorded the seizure of approximately 795 kilograms of white meat unfit for human consumption in Ain Atiq.
Authorities found the meat stored in an unhealthy environment by an owner who supposedly paid no regard to the impact the meat could have on customers’ health.
Dates are widely consumed during Ramadan in Morocco and in other Muslim countries, as people usually break their fast with several dates. While the fruit is high in sugar and calories, they are also a source of various vitamins, minerals and fiber.
