Toxic Additives Discovered in Moroccan Olives: Spanish Health Alert Issued

The RASFF has warned against the distribution in Spain of these imported Moroccan olives. According to the organization, the analysis of this batch of Moroccan olives revealed that they would contain unauthorized additives, in particular sulfur dioxide (E220) and sulfites (E228), the level of which reached 56 mg/kg, thus exceeding the authorized legal limit.

These additives are generally used as antioxidants and for the preservation of color, but the exceeding of the authorized quantities can constitute a health risk, particularly for people sensitive to sulfur or suffering from respiratory diseases, it is warned. The symptoms that can be felt are headaches, skin irritations, respiratory problems, which can even lead to severe allergic reactions in some cases.

The Spanish authorities ensure that these Moroccan olives have only been distributed on Spanish territory and that no health problems related to the product had been recorded so far. It is indicated that the European Commission and the competent authorities had followed the case and issued notifications to the authorities concerned, but no decision has been made so far regarding the withdrawal of the shipment.