Morocco Lawmaker Calls for Stricter Food Safety Controls in Restaurants

"The sector of restaurants and fast food establishments is one of the most important economic sectors, and its activity has experienced a notable development in recent years, due to the constant increase in the population and changes in the eating habits of society," recalled Hanane Atarguine in her written question addressed to Abdelouafi Laftit.

The MP specified that "the attendance of restaurants and fast food establishments increases considerably with the beginning of the summer season, but this sector is facing, in this period marked by a rise in temperatures, major challenges mainly related to the quality of services and food safety," referring to the "cases of acute food poisoning" recorded in recent weeks in various Moroccan cities, "some of which have unfortunately led to deaths".

"This situation makes us question the degree of commitment of restaurants and fast food establishments to hygiene and health safety standards, as well as the effectiveness of their control by the competent authorities," added the PAM elected official, who invited the Minister of the Interior to "take emergency measures to prevent the repetition of such incidents and improve food safety".