By Riad Beladi, Analyst at ISN Media (USA/UK)
On 17th September 2024, the French Ministry of Agriculture confirmed a ban on the Algerian hazelnut spread El Mordjene within the European Union, citing non-compliance with EU food safety and animal health regulations, particularly concerning the dairy content intended for human consumption. This decision has raised questions about the true motives behind the ban and its potential political and economic implications.
El Mordjene vs. Nutella: A Comparison
Aurore Noblecourt, a nutritionist from Hauts-de-France, reviewed El Mordjene’s composition and noted that it is not significantly different from the well-known European brand Nutella. Both products have similar ingredient profiles, and like many commercial spreads, El Mordjene has received a poor Nutri-Score of E and a NOVA rating of 4, categorising it as a highly processed food. While these ratings are low, they are typical for such products. Noblecourt remarked that even “organic” or “vegan” spreads, often marketed as healthier, do not always fare much better in these nutritional assessments.
However, what makes this case notable is not just the nutritional content of the product, but the wider context of its ban and the possible political motivations lurking behind the decision.
Political and Economic Motivations?
The ban has raised eyebrows, given the broader context of North Africa’s rapidly growing food sector. Algeria and Morocco have both experienced significant growth in food production, with Algerian companies like El Mordjene emerging as challengers to European brands. With the rise of Algerian exports, some have speculated whether the ban may be an attempt to limit competition from non-EU products.
Speaking on the issue, Noblecourt acknowledged potential health concerns, especially given that European regulators may lack oversight of Algerian production processes. Yet, processed foods like El Mordjene are less commonly restricted compared to fresh goods, such as meat, which are more prone to contamination. The decision to ban the product could signal that economic protectionism, rather than pure health concerns, is at play.
North Africa’s Food Industry: Rising to Compete
Over the past few decades, Algeria has invested heavily in its food industry. The company behind El Mordjene was founded in 1997 and symbolises the country’s broader push to modernise and innovate in food production. Algeria’s rapid industrialisation in this sector has positioned it as a formidable competitor to European products, with increasing exports not only of processed foods but also of raw materials. This growing capability raises the stakes for European food producers, who may see their dominance challenged.
Future Trade Relations: EU-North Africa Dynamics
As Algeria and Morocco expand their food industries, the question arises: how will the European Union react to increased competition? If the EU maintains a pattern of banning or restricting products from North Africa, this could strain trade relations, particularly as free trade negotiations continue between Europe and its southern neighbours. Restricting access to the European market for products that meet similar health standards to EU-produced goods could provoke resistance from these emerging economies.
The ongoing investigation into whether El Mordjene meets EU safety standards may have significant consequences. The outcome could influence the treatment of future North African food products entering the European market. If Europe seeks to promote free trade with North Africa, it will need to balance legitimate health regulations with the realities of increased competition from these fast-growing markets.
The ban on El Mordjene raises broader issues than food safety alone. It highlights the growing competitiveness of the North African food industry and the challenges it poses to European producers. As trade relations between Europe and North Africa continue to evolve, decisions like this could become more common, prompting questions about whether economic protectionism or genuine safety concerns will drive future policies. Whether this ban represents a one-off incident or the beginning of a broader trend remains to be seen.
