Morocco sets rules for importing rendered pet food ingredients

The government of Morocco has issued its first framework for the importation of animal meal for pet food applications. 

The new code, drafted by the Moroccan Food Safety Authority (ONSSA), allows the use of animal meal only as raw material to prepare dog and cat food products.

According to the translated report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the draft further clarifies that companies require authorization from ONSSA to prepare pet food with imported animal meal.

The comprehensive framework not only opens opportunities for broader applications of rendered products in animal feed but also encourages traceability and food safety. 

Prerequisites for imports

After a preliminary assessment, ONSSA is expected to release a list of countries authorized to export rendered animal meal. The body will determine production conditions and set health certification requirements based on the country of origin.

Within Morocco, authorized dog and cat food manufacturers that wish to produce pet food from imported animal meal will have to file a detailed application with ONSSA. 

This will include information about a self-monitoring program, a technical sheet specifying manufacturing methods, the rate of incorporation of animal meal and a detailed procedure for managing product traceability.

Ensuring quality checks

The imported animal meal will be subject to risk management procedures by the Control and Quality of Tangier-Casablanca or Agadir under the Regional Directorates of ONSSA.

Establishments producing pet food using specified rendered materials will also be subject to control by local veterinary services to ensure compliance. Any faults will lead to the withdrawal of authorization.