Morocco opens doors to wider range of red meat imports

Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety and Health (ONSSA) has authorized imports of fresh, frozen, and chilled red meat from specific countries to help stabilize supply and address rising prices.

Imports of sheep and goat meat are allowed from the European Union, Andorra, Albania, Serbia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Russia, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Beef imports are authorized from these countries, as well as Brazil, Paraguay, and Ukraine.

ONSSA emphasizes that the list of authorized countries may change if there's a health risk related to imports. Imported meat must have a health certificate from the country of origin and a halal slaughter certificate from a recognized Islamic body.

Importers must also have ONSSA-approved warehouses, maintain the cold chain, and follow proper storage and preservation practices. Last year, the Moroccan government encouraged cattle imports to address rising meat prices.