Citing EU health regulations, France’s Agriculture Ministry has announced a ban on a popular Algerian hazelnut spread for bread called El Mordjene.
Subsequently, the spread, produced by Algerian company Cebon, gained widespread attention on social media in France, ironically leading to a surge in demand.
The French Ministry explained that “Algeria does not meet the necessary conditions to export dairy products to the EU for human consumption,” BMFTV reported.
The product is now barred from entering EU markets due to Algeria’s failure to meet such dairy export requirements.
Although the regulatory decision has ostensibly halted the food’s sale in France and Europe, the spread has become a viral sensation, with influencers praising its taste and unique texture, causing prices to skyrocket.
Small shops in France, particularly in Marseille, still carry El Mordjene, selling jars for as much as 30 euros.
Online platforms have seen prices climb even higher. Some retailers are charging up to 45 euros per jar as supplies dwindle.
The Association for the Protection of Algerian Consumers condemned the decision, calling it “an abusive measure” meant to protect European brands.
Mustapha Zebdi, the association’s president, claimed that “the ban should have been implemented years ago if health concerns were genuine.”
Ferrero, the global giant behind Nutella, which dominates France’s spread market, has denied any involvement in the ban.
“Ferrero refutes any claim of interference in the decision to block El Mordjene in France,” said a company spokesperson.
Two shipments of El Mordjene have been seized at French border checkpoints in Marseille and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle.
French authorities are conducting an investigation into how the spread was previously available on the French market.
No decision has yet been made on whether to return or destroy the seized shipments.
The French Ministry of Agriculture said that an investigation will determine the fate of the seized jars.
The product remains available in small stores, but its long-term presence in France is yet to be determined due to the regulatory challenges.