Latest news with #ONSSA
Morocco World
22-07-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco's Interior Minister Slams Media Campaign Over Stray Dogs Issue
Rabat — Morocco's Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, has denounced what he called a 'coordinated media campaign' targeting the country over its handling of stray dogs. He said this campaign intensified after Morocco was selected to host major international sporting events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Laftit said the campaign spreads false claims and misrepresents the reality on the ground. 'The reports focus heavily on stray dogs and accuse authorities of inhumane practices without acknowledging the real efforts made to protect public health and animal rights,' he told members of the House of Advisors. Laftit explained that stray animals, especially dogs, pose serious public health risks. In 2024, over 100,000 cases of bites and scratches were recorded. Rabies alone caused 33 deaths last year. Authorities also recorded 432 cases of hydatid disease and 64 cases of leishmaniasis. To address the issue, the government signed a partnership agreement in 2019 with the Ministry of Health, ONSSA, and the national veterinary body. The program focuses on scientific approaches, including surgical sterilization, rabies vaccination, and the creation of animal shelters. So far, Morocco has built or is building 20 shelters, with one already operating in Rabat. The government allocated MAD 240 million ($ 26,58 million) over five years to support this effort. A mobile veterinary unit in Kenitra has also been launched as a pilot project, offering treatment, vaccination, and temporary shelter for stray dogs. Laftit said his department also allocates MAD 40 million ($ 4.43 million) annually to the Pasteur Institute to provide vaccines and antiserums, while local authorities contribute an additional MAD 40 million ($ 4.43 million) to support health centers across the country. The Moroccan government approved on July 10 a draft law on protecting stray animals, particularly dogs, providing protection from the dangers they may pose to the public.
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Russia Forge New Paths in Global Halal Market
Doha – Morocco and Russia are strengthening ties in the halal industry through new certification agreements. Tatarstan's Committee for Halal Standards under the Spiritual Administration of Muslims plans to obtain accreditation in Morocco. This will enable exports of halal products to the North African country. 'On all these countries we submitted applications,' said Tatarstan's committee chairman Abbas Shlyaposhnikov, referring to Morocco among other countries. 'Until the end of this year, we have planned progressive work. We are confidently moving in this direction.' Morocco continues expanding its global halal footprint. In June 2024, Abderrahim Taibi, director of the Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR), spoke at the Halal Morocco Forum in Casablanca. He noted that Morocco and Africa have important potential to increase their share in the global halal market. The global halal market, estimated to exceed $2 trillion, continues to experience steady growth. During the same forum, IMANOR signed a recognition agreement for the 'Halal Morocco' mark with Singapore's Halal Authority. Notably, Morocco had already inked an agreement in 2020 to export Moroccan halal products to Russia. This adds to Morocco's growing list of international halal partnerships. Read also: Halal 'Wild Boar' Butcher Shop Shut Down in France In a similar pivot toward Asian markets, Morocco's Ambassador to Vietnam, Jamale Chouaibi, stated in January that Morocco is prepared to assist Vietnam in emerging as a major hub within Southeast Asia's Islamic-certified goods sector. Morocco's halal standards are particularly stringent for imported meat products. By November 2024, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) had implemented a rigorous control system for imported red meat. The system requires all meat to comply with Islamic slaughter standards. Only countries passing ONSSA's risk assessment can export to Morocco. Certifications from authorized religious bodies in exporting countries must confirm compliance with halal requirements. For Russia, specifically Tatarstan, securing accreditation in Morocco would open new export opportunities. In 2025, Tatarstan aims to increase its halal exports. The region's total export plan amounts to $15 million, up from $14 million the previous year. Currently, 250 enterprises in Tatarstan produce halal products, with about 20 of them exporting abroad. Last year, Tatarstan's Committee for Halal Standards was accredited by the Gulf Accreditation Centre (GAC). The Russia-Morocco halal cooperation represents part of a broader trend. Both Rabat and Moscow are working to establish themselves as key players in the growing Halal-compliant products sector. Tags: Halal EconomyMorocco Russian relations
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
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
