Olive oil: 6,500 liters seized, the hunt for adulterated products accelerates in northern Morocco

The regional control commissions are intensifying their inspections to stem the flow of counterfeit goods. Recent operations have made it possible to remove more than 6,500 liters of questionable oils from the market. The province of Chefchaouen recorded the heaviest toll with the seizure of 5,855 liters by the ONSSA services. The cities of Tangier, Tetouan and Martil also saw the confiscation and destruction of 672 liters, mostly intercepted in the capital of the Strait.

Vigilance is particularly focused on production areas like Larache and Ouezzane. The abundance of this year’s harvest is multiplying the risks of fraud in mills and sales outlets. In Ouezzane, where the price per liter is around 60 dirhams, some merchants are exploiting buyers’ lack of knowledge to sell non-authentic blends. These practices target a clientele weakened by the price increases recorded the previous year.

The authorities are applying a zero-tolerance policy towards fraudsters. Individuals apprehended in possession of these illegal stocks are subject to reports transmitted for prosecution. Some cases have been directly transferred to the justice system, exposing the sellers to criminal penalties for fraud on the merchandise.