Mortadella and Additives: Content Creator Exposes Health Hazard and Manufacturer Responds

An Algerian nutrition specialist and content creator sparked a major controversy after posting a video on her page "Vitamin C" addressing the dangers of consuming mortadella, especially its outer layer.

The influencer described this layer as "a chemically colored and smoked artificial substance, filled with carcinogenic food additives", noting that these substances are banned in Europe according to European regulations that warn against their use.

The video, which surpassed 3 million views in a few hours, prompted a swift response from the director of the "Blat" factory, Mourad Mellah, who denied the validity of these claims, affirming that the national company he leads prioritizes consumer safety and does not compromise on the quality of its products.

However, nutrition experts and doctors pointed out that the issue extends beyond this company, emphasizing the danger of food additives used in both local and imported products, especially in light of Algeria's failure to update its additives laws for decades.

Fadi Tamim, the national coordinator of the National Organization for Consumer Guidance and Protection, stated that Algeria needs to update its food additives laws to align with modern scientific studies, as the accumulation of these substances in the consumer's diet may lead to exceeding the safe daily dose, posing a real health risk.

Tamim also highlighted that updating these laws will not only protect consumer health but also facilitate the export of food products abroad, where strict standards on additive levels are imposed in receiving countries.

On the other hand, Dr. Mohamed Kwash, a public health specialist, explained that preservatives have evolved to ensure food preservation amid resource scarcity challenges, but sometimes include carcinogenic substances that may negatively affect the kidneys, intestines, and blood in the medium to long term.

He warned against excessive consumption of these substances, especially among children and pregnant women, emphasizing the need to diversify the diet and reduce manufactured products like carbonated drinks and sweets.

This controversy has shed light on the need to reconsider the issue of food additives in Algeria, update laws and regulations to protect public health, and ensure the quality of products in the local and global markets.