This council was devoted to the main technical and financial achievements for the year 2023, as well as the 2024 action plan, indicates a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and forests.
On this occasion, Mr. Sadiki congratulated ONSSA for its notable achievements on the physical and financial levels. He also wished to salute all the staff of the Office, emphasizing their constant mobilization in favor of the protection of the national animal and plant heritage, as well as the health safety of food products.
For his part, the Director General of ONSSA, Abdellah Janati, presented the significant achievements recorded by the Office during the year 2023, as well as the main lines of the 2024 action plan, in particular the aspects which concern protection health of animal and plant heritage, health safety of food products, inputs and laboratories, risk assessment, communication and cooperation, as well as governance and dematerialization of procedures.
For the animal health protection component, Mr. Janati presented the actions undertaken by the Office’s services to strengthen the immunity of livestock to foot-and-mouth disease and Clavelée-PPR, notably the two generalized booster vaccination campaigns for cattle in 2023, as well as the booster vaccination campaign for sheep and goats against foot-and-mouth disease in the border regions of the country. He recalled that foot-and-mouth disease is a disease that has been brought under control and no outbreak has been declared since July 2019.
Mr. Janati also highlighted the intensification of the control program for poultry units, leading to a significant increase of 17% in the number of poultry units controlled in 2023. Following these controls, the ONSSA services carried out the withdrawal of 139 authorizations granted to units not complying with health requirements.
Regarding the supply of red meat to the national market, particularly sheep and beef, the Office has validated several models of health certificates with exporting countries.
In addition, specific health procedures have been established to ensure rigorous health control of imported animals, while ensuring support for operators operating in this sector. In total, no less than 1,140 health checks were carried out at border inspection posts during import operations.
Furthermore, and in order to protect the national plant heritage, the ONSSA has strengthened the phytosanitary management of harmful organisms through specific control strategies, in particular the program to combat the cactus mealybug, the program to combat the red weevil of the palm tree, as well as strengthening capacities and material means to combat forest pests.
In terms of health control of food products, the Office has intensified its efforts to guarantee the traceability and conformity of olive oil, carrying out nearly 400 regular health visits to the crushing and packaging units during which 15 authorizations were issued. sanitary facilities were suspended and 13 others removed.
The members of the council took note of the strengthening of the analytical capacities of the ONSSA laboratories with advanced equipment for contaminants and residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs.
Mr. Janati did not fail to emphasize that Morocco, represented by ONSSA, was elected member of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, in recognition of its sustained efforts in health safety.
In addition, Council members were informed of the significant financial achievements made by the Office, with regard to the commitment and payment indicators for the 2023 financial year, which are constantly evolving.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Abdellah Janati, Director General of ONSSA
Editor: Welcome, Mr. Janati. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent council focused on agricultural achievements and future plans. It’s exciting to have you here to share insights from the Office of Food Safety and Health (ONSSA).
Mr. Janati: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss our achievements and plans moving forward.
Editor: The 2023 council highlighted notable achievements in physical and financial realms. Can you expand on what you consider the most significant milestone for ONSSA this year?
Mr. Janati: Certainly! This year, we focused heavily on strengthening our animal health programs, particularly in combating diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and Clavelée-PPR. One of our significant milestones was the successful execution of two booster vaccination campaigns for cattle, ensuring their immunity remains robust. We’re proud to report that no outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been declared since July 2019.
Editor: That’s an impressive track record! Vaccination seems crucial for livestock health. What measures are in place to ensure that these vaccination campaigns are effective and reaching all necessary animals?
Mr. Janati: Our teams work diligently to monitor vaccination coverage and identify areas that may need additional resources. We conducted these campaigns in strategic locations, especially border regions, to safeguard against potential outbreaks from neighboring countries. Our efforts also included a robust education program for farmers about the importance of vaccination.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive strategy! You also mentioned an increase in the control of poultry units. Can you tell us about the impact of this intensification?
Mr. Janati: Absolutely! This year we increased the number of poultry units controlled by 17%. This was crucial for maintaining food safety standards. Following these inspections, we had to withdraw 139 authorizations from units that did not comply with health and safety regulations. Such actions are vital to ensure that consumers receive safe food products.
Editor: It’s reassuring to see such proactive measures in food safety. Moving on to the national market, how is ONSSA ensuring the health safety of imported animals and meat products?
Mr. Janati: We have established rigorous health procedures to control the import of animals and meat products. This includes validating health certificates with exporting countries and ensuring that all imports undergo thorough checks upon arrival. The objective is to maintain the highest health standards and protect our national animal and plant heritage.
Editor: What are the key aspects that will shape ONSSA’s action plan for 2024?
Mr. Janati: Our action plan will focus on several areas: enhancing animal and plant heritage protection, health safety of food products, improving laboratory inputs, risk assessment procedures, and boosting communication and cooperation. Additionally, we aim to further streamline and dematerialize our procedures, making it easier for stakeholders to interact with our office.
Editor: All of this sounds promising for the future of agriculture and food safety. what message would you like to convey to the public regarding the work being done at ONSSA?
Mr. Janati: I want to assure the public that ONSSA is committed to protecting our agricultural heritage and ensuring the health safety of food products. We’re working tirelessly, and the dedication of our staff is crucial in this mission. We appreciate the support of farmers and stakeholders in understanding the importance of these initiatives.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Janati, for your insights and for the positive work being done to safeguard our national agricultural landscape. We look forward to following ONSSA’s progress in the coming year!
Mr. Janati: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and we’re excited about the future.