Brewing Controversy: Moroccan Cafés Face Accusations of Poisoning Customers

Saturday 20 January 2024 - 11:16

Moroccan café owners are vehemently denying allegations of spiking their coffee with harmful chemicals to attract customers. The explosive claims were made by a member of parliament from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party, who stands accused of overlooking the true challenges confronting the industry.

The MP's assertions originated from café employees in various cities confessing to supplementing their coffee with chemicals to intensify its flavor. However, Noureddine El Harraq, the president of the National Federation of Moroccan Café and Restaurant Owners (ANPCRM), contends that these allegations are an exaggerated response to the federation's appeals for government assistance amid the widespread closure of cafés.

El Harraq emphasized that the focus should be on the core issue the successive and widespread shutdowns of cafés nationwide. He refuted any connection between alleged chemical additives and the surge in coffee prices, asserting that such practices might be prevalent in unregulated mobile and informal cafés lacking oversight.

Denying any knowledge of café owners tampering with drinks, El Harraq stated that "99.99% of café owners" are oblivious to such substances. He questioned how he would discern if chemicals were added when he receives sealed six-kilo bags. Ultimately, he suggested that the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) should intensify its monitoring of cafés if the accusations hold merit.

The heated exchange of words between legislators and café owners is casting a shadow over Morocco's esteemed coffee culture. Yet, the genuine casualty appears to be the struggling café industry, grappling to revive business in the aftermath of years of pandemic-induced closures.