Assessment of Sulfite Residues in Shrimp from Moroccan Fisheries: Implications for Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Monitoring chemical residue levels in foods of animal origin is essential to ensure food safety and protect consumer health. Sulfites are commonly used in crustaceans to preserve quality; however, excessive levels may raise public health concerns, particularly for sensitive individuals. This study aimed to assess the compliance of shrimp from offshore and coastal fisheries in Morocco with current regulatory standards. A total of 60 samples were collected and analyzed for residual sulfite levels using the semi-quantitative strip test method. The results showed that sulfite concentrations ranged from 5 to 100 mg/kg in offshore samples, with a mean value of 41 mg/kg. Higher concentrations were observed in coastal samples, with an average of 172 mg/kg. Despite the observed differences between fishing origins, most samples complied with the established regulatory limits. These results support the importance of systematic monitoring programs within the fisheries supply chain to strengthen food safety control and contribute to veterinary public health protection.