Spanish farmers renew protests over Moroccan strawberries, allege presence of Hepatitis A

Spanish farmers are once again protesting the import of Moroccan produce, alleging fruit contamination with Hepatitis A, El Mundo reported on Wednesday. This follows a notification from the European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) warning of the alleged presence of Hepatitis A in Moroccan strawberries.

The Spanish agricultural association AVA-ASAJA has expressed its «concern» and called on the Spanish government and the European Union to take «urgent measures». AVA-ASAJA also sent a letter to the Spanish Minister of Agriculture requesting an explanation from Morocco and details on how to prevent similar incidents.

They further urged the Spanish government to «extend controls to other fruits and vegetables from third countries» due to consumer health concerns.

Moroccan authorities responded by launching an inquiry into the allegations through their National Office of Food Safety, a well-informed source told Yabiladi.

These protests come amidst ongoing tensions over Moroccan produce in Europe. In recent weeks, Spanish farmers have even vandalized trucks transporting Moroccan fruits and vegetables. They claim unfair competition due to alleged lack of stringent phytosanitary controls on Moroccan products.

Morocco, on the other hand, maintains it adheres to all necessary regulations. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita disputed claims that the EU lacks control over imports, highlighting negotiated quotas and phytosanitary controls. Last week, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas reiterated efforts to protect Moroccan agricultural exports' access to the European Union.