The Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) said that yesterday evening it was alerted by the Tax and Customs Administration regarding a van that arrived in Malta via the ferry from Sicily, carrying various food products.
Following this notification, FSSA officials conducted an inspection of the vehicle and its contents. After carrying out the necessary checks, a quantity of food items including meat, yogurt, snacks, cheese, olive oil, soft drinks, beans, eggs, alcohol, salt and juices was identified as non-compliant with applicable food safety regulations.
The vehicle had departed from Albania and transited through Sicily before reaching Malta.
The Authority said that the products were found to have been transported at inappropriate temperatures and/or lacked the required labelling. Furthermore, essential traceability documentation was missing.
In view of these breaches, the products were immediately sealed and will be destroyed to safeguard food safety, protect public health, and preserve the integrity of the local industry, the Authority said.
The Authority also noted that it had not been informed in advance of the arrival of this consignment, as required under local legislation.
The FSSA reminded all traders that they are ”legally obliged to register with the Authority and to notify it at least 48 hours prior to the entry into Malta of any animals, food, feeding stuffs, or plants. This requirement applies even when such goods originate from within the European Union.”
The Authority emphasised that it will ”remain vigilant and will take firm action against any operators attempting to trade such products without the necessary notification, in accordance with the Trading Regulations of 2004.”
The Authority thanked the Tax and Customs Administration for their collaboration and prompt action in this matter.
Photos: DOI