The decision by Morocco’s State Secretariat in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy to prohibit the use of tar in treating pottery intended for food use has triggered widespread debate between public health authorities and traditional pottery professionals.
The Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center stated that the measure is based on laboratory analyses indicating that certain tar-treated pottery may release chemical compounds and metallic elements into food. According to the center, the precautionary principle supports the decision as a preventive measure to safeguard consumer health.
Meanwhile, pottery artisans argue that the issue lies in improper practices involving the addition of other substances rather than the traditional use of tar itself. They also warn that the decision has contributed to lower consumer demand and could negatively affect the livelihoods of many craftspeople.
Professional representatives have called for dialogue with the relevant authorities to identify safe alternatives that protect public health while preserving Morocco’s traditional pottery heritage and supporting the continuity of the craft.