Morocco Introduces New Standards for Quality Control of Vegetable Oils and Fats
The Moroccan government has approved a new regulation that strengthens the requirements for the quality and safety control of vegetable oils and fats used in the food industry. The aim of this document is to modernize outdated standards and adapt them to the dynamic changes in the market, as well as to ensure proper product quality and transparency of information for consumers.
This is reported by AgroReview
Scope and Product Requirements
The regulatory act applies to all types of unrefined and refined vegetable oils and fats produced from various seeds or fruits — both in pure form and in mixtures. At the same time, olive oil, second-press olive oil, argan oil, and spreads are not covered by the regulation. According to the government, the updated rules are designed to simplify trade operations, guarantee consumer rights protection, and harmonize national requirements with international standards.
Key Changes in Labeling and Production
The regulation has been developed in accordance with Law 28.07 on food safety and implements a structured control system for all vegetable oils and fats. The document clearly defines product categories — from unrefined and cold-pressed oils that are not subjected to chemical processing, to refined oils that are purified by physical or chemical methods. Separate requirements are established for mixed oils and fats obtained by combining several types.
Particular attention is paid to labeling: all oils must be sold under names that accurately indicate their origin and method of production. Specifically, “unrefined oil” or “unrefined fat” must be accompanied by the name of the corresponding seed or fruit, while the designation “oil” or “fat” with the plant name is reserved for refined products. The term “vegetable oil” is allowed to be used only for mixtures of two or more types of edible oils, while “vegetable fat” is for mixtures of fats or their combination with oils.
The regulation also establishes new requirements for producers, processors, and distributors, who must obtain sanitary authorization and ensure complete traceability of the products. Importers are required to guarantee that foreign goods comply with Moroccan standards. All oils must be sold only in hermetically sealed packages that cannot be resealed, and the labeling must contain additional information, such as “cold-pressed” or “suitable for frying.” Furthermore, a limit on oil degradation during frying has been set — no more than 25% of polar compounds. The regulation prohibits the use of unauthorized additives and defines acceptable technological processes, while completely banning reesterification due to potential health risks.
Thus, the new regulation implements a comprehensive approach to the control of vegetable oils and fats, contributing to the improvement of their quality, transparency for consumers, and compliance with international standards.