Popular Algerian spread El Mordjene banned in the European Union

Popular on social networks, this spread is the subject of an investigation “in order to determine the circumvention mechanisms which have allowed this product to be placed on the market until now”, assures the Ministry of Agriculture.

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A jar of El Mordjene spread in a store in Algiers, September 15, 2024. (AFP)

Popular, but banned. The Algerian spread El Mordjene from the Cebon brand, which has become a phenomenon on social networks, is banned in the European Union, the Ministry of Agriculture told AFP on Tuesday, September 17. “Since Algeria does not meet all the conditions necessary to allow a third country to export to the European Union goods containing dairy products intended for human consumption in compliance with European requirements in terms of animal health and food safety, the importation of these goods is not authorized by the applicable regulatory framework”according to the ministry.

France’s import of this spread was stopped on Friday, reported the Algerian media TSA. “Two shipments [de pâte à tartiner El Mordjene] are currently stuck at French border checkpoints”the ministry confirmed. An investigation has been opened “in order to determine the circumvention mechanisms which have allowed this merchandise to be placed on the market until now”, added the Ministry of Agriculture.

French retail giant Carrefour announced to AFP on Thursday that it wanted “market the famous El Mordjene spread within two to four weeks”unlike other players in the world of supermarkets. Thus, the day before, Auchan, Aldi, Casino and Lidl had indicated that they would not market this spread, as had Casino. The other players in mass distribution, including the leader E.Leclerc and the number 3 Intermarché, had not responded to the Agency.


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