Moroccan tomatoes: Morocco denounces a smear campaign in France

In a press release, APEFEL denounces a disinformation campaign carried out by certain European media that question the quality of Moroccan tomatoes without any scientific evidence. For the Association, this is not an isolated case. For some time now, Moroccan agricultural products, and particularly tomatoes, have been regularly attacked. Yet, since 2023, Morocco has become the European Union’s leading non-EU supplier of tomatoes. The association recalls that this success is based on the quality of Moroccan production, rigorous health controls and a high-performing agricultural sector.

APEFEL assures that these accusations are not based on any objective evidence. According to official European figures, between 2020 and 2025, the European Union recorded 5,502 alerts concerning all imported fruits and vegetables. Of these, only 49 concerned Morocco, or less than 1%. These statistics show that the Moroccan control system, managed by the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA), recognized for its seriousness and transparency, is effective. The association points to a recent article by UFC-Que Choisir, which it considers representative of this unjustified suspicion. "Its analysis is based on a limited sample and outdated data, in no way allowing generalized conclusions to be drawn about the quality of Moroccan products," it stresses.

APEFEL also explains that finding "several residues" does not mean that the authorized limits are exceeded. These maximum residue limits (MRLs) are strictly set by European regulations. The detected traces are infinitesimal and pose no danger to consumers, the association insists. For it, the real reason behind these attacks is economic. The aim is to slow down the entry of Moroccan products into the European market using a health pretext. According to the Association, these media campaigns constitute unfair competition that goes against the principles of fair trade. It reaffirms its commitment to guaranteeing high-quality production, in compliance with European and international standards, and to contributing to the development of a balanced and sustainable agri-food trade.