2024-04-14 10:12:42
“Following rumors circulating on certain media and social networks claiming the presence of the hepatitis A virus in Moroccan strawberries, and despite the denial and clarifications emanating from the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA), after the result of precise analyzes carried out, and taking into account the persistence of this unfounded erroneous information, emanating from entities aiming to damage the reputation of the Moroccan agricultural product, the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, rural development and water and forests, categorically denies the veracity of this news,” indicates a press release from the ministry.
According to the same source, ONSSA, immediately informed of the health alert on a batch of strawberries exported from Morocco, opened an investigation and carried out the necessary investigations which made it possible to identify the field and the packaging unit. concerned, as well as monitoring the batch of exported strawberries.
The ministry also indicates that the ONSSA services have carried out all the necessary analyzes at the level of the production unit of the batch of strawberries in question in order to assess their quality and detect possible health risks.
Laboratory tests showed that the results for hepatitis A were negative, and no contamination of irrigation water was detected. In addition, it was confirmed that field workers are subject to strict control to ensure the health safety of the strawberries.
Thus, the ministry ensures the health safety of strawberries, like that of all agricultural products in the Kingdom, recalling the efforts made to ensure the permanent and precise execution of the ONSSA annual surveillance plan on the national market. This plan includes hundreds of samples of red fruits to check their safety and compliance with health safety standards.
The ministry reserves the right to resort to legal procedures against the authors of this false information and to fight against the various sources disseminating false information on national agricultural products, in accordance with the legislation in force.
And to conclude: “Consumers are advised to exercise caution and refer to official sources for information on food safety.
2024-04-14 10:12:42