Hanane Atrakine, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party within the Moroccan House of Representatives, has raised a written inquiry to the Minister of Health and Social Protection regarding the alarming increase of informal restaurants and food outlets located near rest areas and gas stations along motorways, particularly in the Marrakech-Safi region. She warns of the potential health risks that could threaten the safety of road users.
Atrakine emphasized that adherence to health safety standards in restaurants and food service establishments adjacent to motorways is crucial for protecting public health and ensuring the safety of travelers, especially given the persistent rise in traffic across various national roadways. She highlighted that recent years have seen a proliferation of informal dining establishments emerging near rest areas and fuel stations, raising numerous questions about their compliance with hygiene and safety regulations, as well as the quality of the food being served. Moreover, she pointed out the inadequate regular inspections of some of these venues, which are increasingly frequented by travelers and tourists.
The situation is particularly evident around the rest areas of Ben Guerir and Sidi Bouathmane, where the roadside is lined with makeshift eateries that attract numerous motorists. This raises growing concerns regarding the conditions under which food is prepared and stored, the availability of necessary permits, and adherence to established health safety standards. Atrakine also noted a rising apprehension linked to reports of food poisoning incidents across various regions of the country, alongside the health risks associated with the lack of oversight, particularly during summer months, holidays, and peak travel seasons.
In conclusion, Atrakine urged the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to disclose the measures and actions it intends to implement, in coordination with relevant sectors, to tighten oversight of restaurants and food outlets located in rest areas and surrounding the Ben Guerir and Sidi Bouathmane areas. She called for ensuring compliance with health safety standards to safeguard the health of road users.
As reported by pam.ma.
