ONSSA: Watermelon seeds cultivated in Morocco are not genetically modified

Published 2021년 5월 7일

Tridge summary

A Moroccan politician, Abou Zaid El Idrissi, has caused controversy by claiming that watermelon seeds in Morocco are genetically modified, alleging that farmers sell the fruit before August, when it is supposedly ready, use these modified seeds. However, the National Office of Sanitary Safety of Food Products (ONSSA) has refuted these claims, asserting that the seeds used for watermelon cultivation in Morocco are not genetically modified. The import of plant species for cultivation is strictly regulated, with a necessity for prior authorization and a declaration from the breeder confirming non-GMO status. Furthermore, ONSSA has highlighted that certain regions like Zagora are known for their early watermelon production due to favorable climate conditions, contradicting the politician's claims.

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Original content

Rabat – Abou Zaid El Idrissi, a member of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), has sparked uproar and concerns for his statement, suggesting that the seeds used to cultivate watermelon in Morocco are “genetically modified.” The politician appeared in a video on social networks, saying that watermelon should become available in August, accusing farmers selling the fruit before that month of using genetically modified seeds. Morocco’s National Office of Sanitary Safety of Food Products (ONSSA) issued a statement today, refuting the claims. ONSSA argued that the vegetable seeds used in Morocco in the cultivation of watermelon are not “genetically modified.” The statement emphasized that the import of the various plant species “is conditioned by a prior authorization.” ONSSA criticized the dissemination of certain rumors on social networks regarding watermelon products, saying that some regions including Zagora is known for the early production of watermelon due to its favorable ...

Source: MoroccoWorldNews