The government has announced new measures to curb the illegal sale of the banned Algerian hazelnut cream spread, El Mordjene Cebon, which continues to be sold despite failing to meet EU food safety regulations.

The viral Algerian toasted hazelnut cream spread El Mordjene Cebon continues to be sold illegally despite being banned in the EU since Tuesday, 17 September. In response, the Luxembourg government announced this Tuesday that it will implement measures to tackle its illegal spread – no pun intended – within the country.

Earlier this month, El Mordjene Cebon went viral on social media, starting in France before gaining popularity in other countries. In France, the spread quickly sold out as demand surged, but the craze was short lived, as the spread was taken off shelves after French regulators discovered that the product did not comply with European food safety regulations.

Now, an RTL Infos investigation has revealed that the spread is still available for sale in multiple stores in Luxembourg, particularly in Esch-sur-Alzette, as well as online from various sellers.

That is why the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture has now reminded consumers and resellers that "the import of the product is strictly prohibited". Patrick Hau, deputy director of Luxembourg's Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), explains that "the ban seems to be linked to Algeria not possessing the right authorisations to export processed dairy products to the EU".

"We have checked several grocery shops in Esch-sur-Alzette so far without success. So the search continues", ALVA shared with RTL Infos.

As far as fines are concerned for resellers, the Ministry will wait for further details from French authorities. Nevertheless, the Ministry is determined to enforce a ban on the spread's sale. “Luxembourg is a part of the EU, so we won't be making any exceptions in our country", the Ministry concluded.