Health Alert: Toxic Canned Sardines Sold in Morocco for a Year, Officials Warn

The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) confirmed the information, indicating that these are preserved sardines in tomato sauce, toxic, and marketed for 12 months.

Following checks carried out on fishery products in the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region, the office found that canned sardines in tomato sauce did not comply with the standards and regulations in force. Other checks carried out by the provincial veterinary services of Larache showed that these canned sardines in tomato sauce contained a high amount of histamine.

According to the ONSSA, these "Karl" branded products have been on the market since October 22, 2018 and their expiration date runs until October 22, 2021. In this regard, it plans to set up an investigation commission to determine the quantities distributed in the large retail stores and other points of sale, reports the daily Al Massae.

The products will then be withdrawn and the company will be ordered to suspend the supply of its markets and to compensate the victims, who are likely to develop allergies or itching.