Morocco poultry federation rejects online food safety allegations

MOROCO – Morocco’s poultry industry has moved to counter online allegations claiming chickens sold in local markets are exposed to unsafe substances before reaching consumers, after the claims triggered public concern across the country.

The Interprofessional Federation of the Poultry Sector, known as FISA, said poultry produced within Morocco’s organized supply chain complies with veterinary and food safety regulations designed to protect consumers and maintain product quality.

The controversy emerged after social media posts accused some poultry farmers of injecting chickens with substances shortly before sale and marketing the birds before mandatory withdrawal periods had passed, raising concerns about possible health risks linked to poultry consumption.

As the claims spread online, consumers in both urban and rural areas questioned traders and producers about farming practices and whether poultry sold in markets meets national food safety standards.

FISA rejected the allegations, describing them as unverified accusations that could affect confidence in an industry relied upon by millions of Moroccans as a source of affordable protein and employment.

According to the federation, poultry farms, hatcheries, feed manufacturers, transport operators, and slaughter facilities operate under veterinary laws that require compliance with hygiene measures, disease prevention systems, and food safety controls.

Industry representatives said veterinarians supervise vaccination programs, treatment procedures, and record keeping on farms to ensure poultry producers follow regulatory requirements before products enter the market.

Traceability and industry expansion

FISA also pointed to the role of Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety, which monitors inspection systems and product traceability across the poultry supply chain from farms to processing facilities and retail markets.

The federation said traceability systems have become increasingly important as Morocco expands poultry production capacity to meet growing domestic demand for chicken, turkey, and eggs.

Morocco is among Africa’s largest poultry producers, with the industry supplying hundreds of thousands of tons of poultry meat and billions of table eggs annually as consumers continue shifting toward poultry because of lower prices compared to beef and mutton.

The poultry sector supports thousands of jobs across farming, hatcheries, feed production, transportation, slaughterhouses, processing plants, and retail trade, while additional employment is generated through support services linked to the industry.

Meanwhile, producers have continued investing in feed mills, hatcheries, breeder farms, and broiler facilities as demand rises in both cities and rural communities.

Despite the sector’s growth, producers continue facing pressure from high feed costs, disease management challenges, and changing consumer perceptions influenced by online discussions around nutrition and commercially raised food products.

FISA said any accusations against poultry producers should be submitted to authorities with supporting evidence so investigations can be conducted through official legal and regulatory channels.

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