Almost 7,000 kg of food deemed unfit for consumption has been seized and destroyed in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region in the first ten days of Ramadan and the two preceding weeks.

The National Office of Food Safety (ONSAA) has seized and destroyed goods including 84kg of sweeteners, 1,104 kg of fishing products, 1,790kg white meat, 264kg [other] meat, 221kg of flour, 83kg of milk and dairy products, 91kg dried fruit, 21kg vegetable preserves, 145 litres juice, 14 litres vegetable oil, and 350 eggs.

The ONSAA made 235 patrols throughout the region, taking food samples from various establishments.

11.84 tons of imported foodstuff were checked by the office’s services at Tangier Med’s port of quality and control, whilst a further 12.6 tons of frozen goods were thrown away due to poor hygienic conditions.

Over 30 inspectors have been working both part and full-time for the ONSAA to ensure quality and safety of foods in the area are met.

The October 2016 death of fisherman Mouhcine Fikri, who was crushed in a rubbish lorry whilst protesting the seizure of his fish, has sparked seven months of protests in Al Hoceima.