Moroccan Consumers Boycott Algerian Dates Amid Health Concerns

Many Moroccans are boycotting Algerian dates, following calls for a boycott of this product, widely relayed on social media. This has resulted in substantial financial losses for the merchants concerned. The boycott campaign has been a resounding success, according to a trader from Derb Mila, one of the largest date markets in Morocco, who spoke to Assabah.

The boycott intensified after reports from foreign sources confirmed the presence of harmful pesticide residues in Algerian dates. During a protest sit-in recently organized by an association of date merchants and a group of consumers in the Derb Mila souk, the protesters denounced the illegal entry of tons of Algerian dates, thus escaping health and customs control.

Tunisian importers are trying to take advantage of the situation. They buy Algerian dates at low prices and falsify the certificates of origin to resell them as Tunisian. These Algerian dates mostly arrive at the ports of Tanger Med, Casablanca and Beni Ansar.