Morocco’s Food Safety Office Clarifies Role in Restaurant Hygiene Scandal

When the case broke out, ONSSA was accused by some Moroccans of not having properly played its role. In a statement, the office explains that it is not the responsibility of its services to ensure compliance with the rules of cleanliness and hygiene in restaurants.

"In accordance with the laws in force, the granting or withdrawal of a health authorization for establishments, companies, and restaurants is not the responsibility or competence of ONSSA. It is strictly reserved for local authorities," the office notes in its statement.

According to the office, "in accordance with Article 2 of Law 08-25, ONSSA exercises, on behalf of the State, the attributions relating to the protection of consumer health and the preservation of animal and plant health".

It also intervenes in "the field of protection of the national livestock, sanitary certification of animals, plants and food products for export and import, and control of agricultural inputs, in addition to the sanitary approval of food industry establishments".