Cheese Controversy Melts: ONSSA Defends Kiri’s Safety

The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) is trying to put an end to the controversy over the quality of Kiri cheese. The cited additives (carrageenan (E407), tricalcium phosphate (E341) and polyphosphate (E452)) are legally used in the production of spreadable cheeses and processed cheeses, ONSSA assures in a press release, specifying that their use is in compliance with Moroccan laws and international standards, and that it poses no health risk.

The Office emphasizes that these additives are also accepted internationally, in accordance with the regulations in force in the European Union, Canada, the United States and Australia. "Cheeses containing these additives are also marketed on European markets," the same source adds.

Production establishments with a health approval issued by its services are subject to regular checks to verify the compliance of their products with health and safety standards, ONSSA recalls, reassuring consumers that cheeses containing these additives pose no danger to health, as long as they are manufactured in units approved by the office.

In Europe, food additives are governed by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, which establishes a list of authorized additives and defines their conditions of use. Carrageenan (E407), tricalcium phosphate (E341) and polyphosphate (E452) are listed as authorized substances, provided that the quantitative limits and specific food categories in which their use is permitted are respected, it is specified.