The Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) has ordered the destruction of a large consignment of food products after a van arriving in Malta from Sicily was found to be carrying items that did not comply with food safety regulations.
According to the Authority, it was alerted by the Tax and Customs Administration after the vehicle, which had travelled from Albania via Sicily, arrived in Malta by ferry. FSSA officials immediately inspected the van and discovered a range of food products that failed to meet the required standards.
Among the items identified were meat, yoghurt, snacks, cheese, olive oil, soft drinks, beans, eggs, alcohol, salt and juices. The Authority said the products had either been transported at inappropriate temperatures, lacked the required labelling, or were not accompanied by the necessary traceability documentation.
As a result, the entire consignment was sealed and will be destroyed to protect public health, ensure food safety and safeguard the integrity of Malta’s local food industry.
The FSSA also noted that it had not been notified in advance of the consignment’s arrival, as required by Maltese legislation. It reminded all traders that they must register with the Authority and provide at least 48 hours’ notice before bringing animals, food, feed or plants into Malta, even when goods originate from another European Union country.
The Authority thanked the Tax and Customs Administration for its cooperation and reiterated that it will continue taking firm action against operators who fail to comply with the applicable regulations.
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