The number of health alerts issued for Moroccan food in 2024 is actually lower compared to 2023 and the severity of these alerts doesn’t exceed those raised for products from other countries, according to a report by ElDiario.
The European Union has a robust regulatory framework in place to ensure food safety. This framework dictates strict limits for pesticide residue, guaranteeing the safety of all produce sold within the bloc, regardless of its origin.
The rumours that accompanied the health alerts led to Spanish grocery stores witnessing a decline in sales of Moroccan fruits and vegetables. Consumers are increasingly avoiding these products, fearing they are unsafe or pose a threat to the domestic agricultural industry.
This apprehension, however, appears to be driven more by recent health scares and unsubstantiated online information rather than any concrete evidence of danger, says the report.
The situation can be traced back to earlier this year when two separate incidents involving Hepatitis A allegedly found in Moroccan strawberries sent shockwaves through the market.
While both scares ultimately proved unfounded, and neither product reached consumers, the panic they caused has lingered.
This fear has been further amplified by misleading narratives circulating online. One such example is a video purporting to expose dangerous chemicals in Moroccan produce using an ultraviolet light – a method ineffective for detecting such contamination.
The issue becomes more intricate when competition enters the picture. Allegations have surfaced that some Spanish companies are relabeling Moroccan produce as Spanish to command a higher price point.
While confirmed instances of this practice remain limited, the mere suspicion fosters consumer distrust. This ultimately hurts Spanish farmers, particularly smaller businesses that struggle to compete with potentially lower production costs in Morocco.
Agricultural specialists, however, hesitate to label this scenario as unfair competition. Instead, they view it as a challenge for smaller Spanish farms to adapt to the changing market landscape.
The report reveals that the underlying concern here is the role that misinformation plays in creating a wedge between Moroccan produce and Spanish consumers.
While some level of competition undeniably exists, facts demonstrate that Moroccan products are safe for consumption, according to the report.
