فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Rabat, October 20, 2025 – The National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) issued an official clarification in response to widespread controversy on social media regarding the quality of certain processed and spreadable cheeses sold in Moroccan markets.
Origin of the Controversy: Viral Video Sparks Concern
The controversy began with a widely shared video posted by a French citizen claiming that some brands of spreadable cheese, such as “Kiri,” contain food additives that pose health risks in the versions sold in Morocco, while these additives are absent from products marketed in Europe. The content creator pointed out differences in the product composition between the French and Moroccan markets, raising consumer alarm.
National Office Response: Additives Safe and Compliant with International Standards
In an official statement released on Monday, October 20, 2025, ONSSA clarified that the additives used in processed and spreadable cheeses in Morocco, such as carrageenan (E407), tricalcium phosphate (E341), and polyphosphates (E452), are authorized and regulated substances.
The office confirmed these additives meet international standards and are permitted in many countries including the European Union, Canada, the United States, and Australia. The statement added that “cheeses containing these additives are also marketed in European markets,” refuting claims of significant differences between products sold in Morocco and those in Europe.
Strict Controls to Ensure Safety
ONSSA indicated that production units licensed by the office undergo regular inspections to verify product compliance with health and safety standards. It emphasized that cheeses containing these additives pose no risk to consumer health, provided they are produced in licensed facilities.
Consumer Reassurance and Combatting Rumors
Through its statement, the office aimed to reassure Moroccan consumers, affirming its commitment to protecting food safety in the market. It urged the public not to be swayed by rumors that may incite panic without credible scientific evidence. This response follows the office’s previous handling of similar controversies involving alleged harmful substances in red meat, reflecting its dedication to transparent communication.
Call to Trust Local Products
This controversy highlights the importance of strengthening trust in local food products through strict controls and transparent communication. The National Food Safety Office continues its role in monitoring food product quality, stressing that consumer safety remains a top priority. With the rise of social media, verifying information before sharing it is essential to prevent unnecessary alarm among the public.
