It’s all the talk… and yet it should never have been marketed in France: the El Mordjene spread, manufactured by the Algerian company Cebon and made popular on social networks, is banned in the European Union, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed on Tuesday, specifying that an investigation “is underway” into the presence of this product on the market.
Two shipments of pots blocked
“Since Algeria does not meet all the conditions necessary to allow a third country to export to the European Union goods containing dairy products intended for human consumption in compliance with European requirements in terms of animal health and food safety, the importation of these goods is not authorized by the applicable regulatory framework,” according to the ministry.
An investigation has been opened “to determine the circumvention mechanisms that have allowed this merchandise to be placed on the market so far,” added the Ministry of Agriculture. “Two shipments are currently blocked at French border control posts,” according to the same Source.
Carrefour wanted to market it
French retail giant Carrefour announced on Thursday that it wanted to “market the famous El Mordjene Cebon spread within two to four weeks.” Questioned on Wednesday, Auchan, Aldi, Casino and Lidl indicated that they would not market this spread. Casino (Franprix, Monoprix) indicated that it did not plan to do so “at this time.” Other major retailers, including the leader E.Leclerc and Intermarché, did not respond.
The spread in question, made from roasted hazelnuts, has received significant media coverage following recommendations from influential social media accounts.
“Same as Nutella, except more hazelnuts.”
“If we simplify, it’s the same thing as Nutella, except that there are more hazelnuts,” analyzed Anne-Marie Goldenberg, dietician and nutritionist from Lyon, interviewed by Progress. “It’s what we call a pleasure product. And it’s also important to include it in your diet, by combining it with good foods, like wholemeal or semi-wholemeal bread in the case of this spread.”
