The brigades of the communal hygiene office of Mohammedia carried out numerous operations during 2012, totalling 5,460 inspections accompanied by 1,486 awareness sessions at various establishments, notably creameries, bakeries, snack bars, poultry merchants, etc.
The inhabitants have become accustomed to these checks, but the question that continues to be asked is whether they are effective and whether the problems posed by the lack of hygiene are subsequently resolved. In any case, the results of the operations carried out are significant and speak for themselves. It would seem that some merchants continue to sell their food products without worrying about the required hygiene and health standards. The brigades of the communal hygiene office of Mohammedia carried out various inspections during 2012 which led to the seizure of 71 units of butter, 44 units of yeast, and several kg of flour, particularly pastry flour. Checks on meat and meat products led to the seizure of 319 kg of meat, 700 kg of fish, and 3 kg of vegetables. In the same vein, 157 hair salons were inspected and 18 were found to be unsatisfactory. The checks extended to hammams and showers where oral and written formal notices were notified to offenders. According to an official from the communal hygiene office of Mohammedia who preferred to remain anonymous, clinical examinations and biological samples are taken. What is more worrying is the absence of a radiology technician, in addition to the lack of film for X-rays. This state of affairs affects the smooth running of the radiology service and does not allow for effective checks on food handlers. The other problem lies in the means of transport, which makes it difficult to travel to take samples of water and food products. At this level, it is difficult to achieve the targeted objectives. Health and hygiene checks have not deterred some merchants who continue to display their products without any concern for the risks they pose to consumers.
The most worrying aspect lies in certain markets and Souks that are under-equipped and poorly managed. Added to this is the prevalence of the informal sector and the worrying deficit in slaughter and white meat preparation units, which encourages clandestine slaughter. Chicken is singled out, especially during periods of high heat when priority must be given to rigorous control of white meat, milk, and fish. No one is safe from food poisoning, stresses this consumer; the facts reported by the media are eloquent, they call on the services concerned to remain vigilant and to crack down. Consumer awareness is essential to remind them to refrain from buying products displayed on sidewalks. Checks must nevertheless be sustained, particularly in Souks and collective catering. The services concerned must, assures this student, assume their responsibility and put an end to the anarchy that reigns in certain parts of the city reoccupied by street vendors. Clandestine slaughter, expired products, lack of hygiene—all these are risks that require effective checks to protect consumers.
The city of Mohammedia must continue its efforts to equip control services for the improvement of hygiene (cleanliness) and public health. It must favour communication through awareness-raising in order to achieve the set objectives.
Ancillary operations
The communal hygiene office of Mohammedia also carried out mosquito control operations in certain parts of the city, notably breeding sites with anti-larval treatment. In the same framework, operations related to rat extermination were undertaken. 989 stray dogs were killed by poisoned bait.
In the context of assisting underprivileged patients suffering from chronic diseases, actions were undertaken.
150 underprivileged patients were taken care of, with “treatment and medical follow-up”.
