Morocco Destroys Contaminated Mint Fields to Protect Consumers from Banned Pesticides

In addition to this destruction, reports have been drawn up by ONSSA agents, reports the MAP which cites the office. "In parallel with this measure (destruction of contaminated fields), reports of offenses have been drawn up against the offenders and have been sent to the justice system," it says in this press release.

ONSSA recalls having intervened after "the results of the analysis of several samples revealed the use of unauthorized pesticides on the cultivation of mint," reassuring the population because "this finding cannot be generalized to all the mint production put on the local market".

To guarantee the quality of the produced mint, the office ensures that the health monitoring and control of mint crops will remain maintained at the level of production and distribution, calling on wholesale markets, large and medium-sized stores to require analysis reports compliant with the health safety of the mint.

To carry out these controls, ONSSA has targeted the main mint-producing regions, namely Rabat-Kénitra, Tanger-Tétouen-Al Hoceima, Casa-Settat, Souss-Massa, Marrakech-Safi and Fès-Meknès. This is also the case for other crops such as fruits, vegetables and herbs.

And to threaten sanctions and legal proceedings against anyone who does not comply with the regulations in force on pesticides.

It should be noted that Morocco is a major consumer of mint tea. Last year, it imported some 77,562 tons of tea, or nearly a quarter of China’s total exports.