Moroccan Markets See Surge in Algerian Dates Ahead of Ramadan

This arrival, usual as the month of fasting approaches, raises questions about the origin and quality of the products, which are heavily consumed during this period.

Merchants from Béni Drar, a border town, confirm the receipt of large quantities of Algerian dates. The methods of transporting these goods sometimes remain unclear, raising the question of compliance with health standards.

Some Béni Drar merchants specify that they legally import these dates via the ports of Béni Ansar (Nador province) or Tangier. They assure that these products are subject to the applicable health and customs controls.

It should be noted that on very many occasions, the dangerousness of Algerian dates has been raised by consumers, but this has been denied by the ONSSA. It is not uncommon for some batches to be considered unfit for consumption, but this was the case in France for three brands in 2021.