Morocco has established a new regulatory framework for the importation of animal meal, which previously lacked formal guidelines. This development, reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), permits the use of animal meal in dog and cat food, creating opportunities for broader application of these rendering products in other animal feeds.
Under the new regulations, establishments must receive individual authorization from the Moroccan Food Safety Authority (ONSSA) to exclusively prepare dog and cat food. These facilities must adhere to specific conditions detailed in the procedural code.
The import process mandates a preliminary assessment by ONSSA of the country of origin, which includes evaluating the production and certification conditions of animal meals. ONSSA will publish a list of countries and establishments authorized to export animal meals to Morocco on its website. Import applications must include comprehensive documentation, such as a self-monitoring program and technical sheets outlining manufacturing methods and incorporation rates.
To manage risks and ensure control, enhanced oversight by veterinary services is required for establishments using imported animal meals. A health control plan and specific traceability procedures must be established and validated by the veterinary service. The import control at border inspection posts involves a four-step process: documentary, identity, physical, and analytical control.
Operators are responsible for ensuring that imported animal meals are exclusively used for the production of dog and cat food within their authorized establishments. Non-compliance can result in the immediate withdrawal of an establishment’s authorization.
The USDA highlighted this regulation as a significant advancement for Morocco’s pet food manufacturing industry. These measures aim to enhance product safety, traceability, and quality, fostering a more robust and regulated market for pet food products in Morocco.
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