Morocco Olive Oil Fraud: 9 Tonnes of Toxic Products Seized

The exceptional agricultural campaign in the Béni Mellal region is turning this season into a major commercial success, attracting buyers from across the Kingdom who are drawn by the quality and affordable prices of the local product. However, this momentum is being tarnished by the emergence of increasingly sophisticated fraudulent practices, reported by the daily newspaper Assabah, as cited by Le360. Individuals are taking advantage of strong demand to sell adulterated oils, causing significant financial losses for families and posing a real risk to public health.

To read: Olive oil fraud in Morocco: how sellers deceived consumers

Investigations by the Royal Gendarmerie have revealed particularly ingenious counterfeiting methods. In addition to the classic practice of mixing olive oil with soybean or sunflower cooking oils, some fraudsters use pomace oil (fitour) to simulate the natural aroma, or add colorants and chemical tablets to obtain a dark green hue characteristic of first-press oils. These products, presented as authentic, are often marketed under the region’s prestigious label, thereby exploiting Béni Mellal’s reputation while disregarding health standards.

To read: Morocco: ONSSA tracks irregularities in olive oil

In response to these abuses, officers have stepped up preventive and enforcement operations. A large-scale operation conducted by the Royal Gendarmerie of Oulad Baredia, in the province of Fqih Ben Saleh, uncovered a clandestine oil mill in the commune of Sidi Jaber. Officers seized nine tonnes of adulterated and toxic oils, along with various additives intended for the mixtures. The suspects who were arrested were referred to the courts for fraud involving consumer products, while quality-control services are maintaining heightened vigilance to protect the sector and consumers.