A coalition representing Morocco’s food supplement industry is urging lawmakers to reject a proposed legal amendment that would restrict the sale of certain food supplements to pharmacies, arguing the measure would reduce competition, increase prices and threaten thousands of jobs.
The proposal, which amends Article 30 of Law 17-04, was introduced in Parliament in March and approved by the House of Representatives in early June. It is now awaiting review by the House of Councillors.
If adopted, the amendment would grant pharmacies exclusive rights to sell food supplements deemed to have a “therapeutic effect.”
The Coalition of Food Supplement Sector Companies, which says it represents more than 10 professional associations and over 150 companies, described the measure as an “unjustified monopoly.”
The group warned that the change could disrupt a sector comprising more than 5,000 businesses, including manufacturers, importers, distributors and online retailers. It estimates that up to 40,000 direct jobs and 80,000 indirect jobs could be affected.
Coalition members also criticized what they described as insufficient consultation with industry stakeholders before the bill advanced through Parliament.
The coalition argues that food supplements are not medicines and are already regulated under Morocco’s food safety framework through the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). Rather than restricting sales channels, it said authorities should strengthen existing controls and traceability mechanisms.
Industry representatives also questioned the scientific basis for the proposal. They noted that nutrient dosages in many Moroccan supplements are generally lower than those found in European and U.S. products, calling for a clearer definition of what constitutes a “therapeutic effect.”
“No scientific or public health data has been presented to justify a distribution monopoly,” the coalition said in a statement.
Badr Bouarich, a private laboratory manager speaking on behalf of the coalition, said regulation is necessary but should not result in market concentration.
“The current proposal will transfer an entire market to a single distribution channel without demonstrating that such a measure is necessary or proportionate,” he said.
The coalition also pointed out that food supplements are commonly sold through multiple channels worldwide, including pharmacies, supermarkets, specialized stores and online platforms, and argued Morocco should maintain a similar model.
The proposed amendment was introduced by lawmakers from the Party of Progress and Socialism. In its explanatory memorandum, the party said the measure is intended to strengthen consumer protection and improve oversight of products that may have medicinal properties.
The memorandum argues that some dietary supplements contain ingredients capable of producing drug-like effects and therefore require professional supervision. It also warns that the growing sale of such products through unregulated outlets may pose risks to public health.
The proposal is expected to face further debate as it moves through the legislative process.
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