Spain Blocks Moroccan Fish Imports Over Anisakis Parasite Concerns

The reason? The presence of Anisakis, a parasite potentially dangerous to human health. This alert was accompanied by two other notifications concerning problems with the cold chain for sardines and shrimp also originating from Morocco.

This situation has caused great concern among fishermen in the Murcia region of Spain. Bartolomé Navarro, president of the Murcian Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds, described the situation as a "serious health emergency." He urged consumers to favor Spanish fish, guaranteeing its quality and compliance with health standards.

Navarro welcomed the vigilance of border controls that allowed the detection of this anomaly. He sought to reassure consumers by stating that the fish from the Murcia region is subject to strict controls, from catch to sale, and is transported under optimal refrigeration conditions. He also took the opportunity to call for a harmonization of the rules of the game between Spanish and third-country fishermen, in order to ensure fair competition.