This clarification comes after the dissemination of a video containing "untruthful statements," through which an individual accuses the province's local authorities of closing his facility, in addition to "abuse and favoritism, among other unfounded allegations."

The authorities' clarification, which was released to enlighten public opinion, revealed that this case is "currently the subject of proceedings before the court," denying "the untruths conveyed by the individual in the said video."

The person in question was arrested last March at a judicial barrier, in possession of food and meat of dubious origin, in the absence of the hygienic conditions required for transporting these products, explains the same source.

"Accordingly and based on the prosecutor's instructions, the competent joint provincial commission was convened to inspect the store where these expired products should be transported," said the clarification.

As a result, a facility "intended for food preparation and storage was subjected to the authorities' control in the city of Azrou," the same source added, revealing that "a series of failures" have been detected.

These include "the absence of the operating license issued by communal services, non-compliance with the health, technical, hygiene and safety standards required for this type of activities, and other violations related to employees hiring without necessary declaration or health documents."

"Given that the food seized, either in the vehicle used by the person in question, or inside the store in question, constitutes a danger to the health of citizens, the destruction of these products was carried out [...] in accordance with procedures and methods in force."

Similar violations were detected in individual's premises in the city of Ifrane, after an inspection was carried out based on the Public Prosecutor's instructions, says the statement, adding that food products which have expired were also seized and destroyed.

"Given that the violations found against the person in question represent a serious threat to the health of citizens, an intervention from the communal authorities in Azrou and Ifrane has been requested to take preventive measures on the closure of the two premises pending a decision of the judicial authorities," said the same source.

The province further noted that, in view of the above, the individual's statements, which is currently the subject of a lawsuit based on a decision of the Prosecutor's Office, are nothing more but empty allegations and have no relationship with reality.

The province concluded that all the measures taken by its different services have been carried out in accordance with the provisions and procedures laid down by law, without any overruns, abuses or favoritism.