The Environmental Health Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health said that it is making every effort to keep its contact with the public through a monthly review statement.

The following is a summary of actions taken during the months of February and March, 2013.

The following is a summary of the report hereunder:

o 854 improvement notices were issued during last two months;

o Two HACCP audits were carried out;

o 19 undertakings were issued;

o 823kg of foodstuffs were destroyed;

o 14 Legionella audits carried out;

o 32 swimming pools were audited during 14 audits;

o 1 cooling tower registered;

o 49 schools inspected;

o 12 abatement notices issued;

o 70 food consignments imported were inspected;

o 3235 notification of food and 233 food supplements for importing/trading into Malta;

o 4197 personal parcels checked, and 48 were rejected;

o 24 Ship Sanitation certificates issued;

o 299 applications were processed;

o 6236 control cards for narcotics and psychotropic substances were issued;

o 25 illegal tobacco related adverts and 1 illegal tattoo adverts were removed;

o 593 samples were elevated and analysed;

o 5 products recalled;

o 8 citations issued/processed;

o €3347 in fines were imposed during the last quarter;

o 4 emergency control orders were issued;

o 3 premises were closed down;

o 653 complaints lodged with the Health Inspectorate.

Detailed Report

Improvement Notices Issued to Food Business Operators

Seven hundred and eighty three improvement notices in terms of article 33 of the Food Safety Act have been issued to food business operators by the Health Inspectorate Services. During this period 71 improvement notices were also issued to open market stalls.

This notice is sent to all food business operators following an unannounced inspection by Environmental Health Officers within their establishment. The intention of this notice is to inform food operators about deficiencies noted in their establishments while the operator is given a specific deadline by when the deficiencies need to be remedied. Though the seriousness of deficiencies might vary, legal action is initiated when major deficiencies are noted.

Haccp Audits

Two HACCP audits were carried out during last two months. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point is a Food Safety Management System which is obligatory in all food businesses

Undertakings

During these two months, nineteen undertakings were entered into by the Health Inspectorate, and concerned several food and environmental health related issues.

Undertakings are legal agreements between the operators and the Health Authority specifying deadlines by which deficiencies in their premises should be remedied in compliance with standing legislation. Failure to abide with the agreed deadlines results in Court proceedings being initiated.

Destruction of Food

During February and March, 823kg of different foodstuffs were destroyed by the Health Inspectorate, ranging from:

· 540kg of lasagne due to undeclared horse meat

· 116.5kg of poultry due to lack of traceability

· 19.6kg of poultry and pork due to lack of traceability and improper labelling

· 8.8kg of frozen drumsticks, 14.4kg of rabbits and poultry and 4.2kg of other foodstuffs kept at inappropriate storage conditions

· 60.6kg of pork and beef due to risk of contamination and inappropriate storage conditions

· 41.4kg of juice and deli foods due to lapsed durability date

· 11kg of cream cakes and oats due to risk of contamination

· 4kg of meat products due to inappropriate storage conditions

· 1.8kg of rabbit burgers produced illegally

· 1.5kg of cheeselets due to improper label

Legionella Audits and Pool Inspections

Fourteen audits at Hotels, and other similar premises to ascertain compliance with Control of Legionella Regulations, 2006 (L.N. 5 of 2006) and the Registration of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations, 2006 (L.N. 6 of 2006) were performed by the Health Inspectorate during last two months.

During the same months, thirty two swimming pools were inspected during fourteen audits carried out by the Health Inspectorate to verify compliance with Swimming Pools Regulations, 2005 (L.N. 129 of 2005). Two pools were registered with the Health Authority during these months but one new cooling tower was registered. This regulation specifies that all swimming pools with the exception of those situated at a single family residence need to register with this Directorate. A list of registered pools can be found in the Directorate’s website mentioned below.

Inspections of Schools

During February and March, forty-nine schools were inspected to ensure compliance with general hygiene requirements. Such inspections are carried out in private, government or church owned schools and whether, primary, secondary, tertiary or language or special schools.

Abatement Notices

Twelve abatement notices were issued during these months by the Health Inspectorate in terms of the Public Health Act in view of inspections and audits carried out in the previous days.

Consignments

Seventy consignments of food imported/traded into Malta were also inspected during February and March by Environmental Health Officers attached with the Port Health Services within this Directorate.

Consignments Documentary checks

3235 requests for importation/trading of foodstuffs and 233 requests for importation of food supplements were submitted to the Port Health Services..

Personal Imports

During these months over 4197 personal consignments were also screened by the Port Health Services, of which 48 were rejected.

Ship Sanitation Certificates

During these two months, twenty-four Ship Sanitation Certificates were issued by the Port Health Services. Such inspections are carried out in terms of the International Health Regulations of 2005 and involves the assessment of the general hygienic conditions and control measures undertaken on ships. Such certificate needs to be renewed every 6 months at an authorised port; Malta being an authorised port.

Applications and Consultations

During last two months, the Health Inspectorate received 299 requests to process applications to operate food and non-food business. Prospective operators who wish to open such businesses are obliged to apply for a permit with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and then apply for the actual licence with the competent authority such as the Trade Licensing Unit or Malta Tourism Authority. At every stage, this Directorate is consulted in order to verify suitability of proposed premises.

Control Cards for Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances

During February and March, 6236 control cards for narcotic and psychotropic substances (3893 females and 2343 males) were issued by the Drug Control Unit, which is another unit falling under the Health Inspectorate Services. 398 of these cards were new applicants.

These cards are issued when a medical doctor deems that a person needs to be prescribed a psychotropic drug. An application form is filled in and handed over to the patient which is in turn submitted to the Drug Control Unit, Shop 12, City Gate, Valletta Tel; 21245490.

Illegal Advertisements

During these two months, 25 adverts involving Tobacco products and including electronic cigarettes in breach of Tobacco (Smoking Control) Act were noticed on local sites and the respective advertisers and webmasters were instructed to remove, something which was actually complied with.

One advert of tattoo equipment was also noticed in contravention of the Control of Tattooing Act.

Samples

During February and March, 593 samples were elevated by the Health Inspectorate and submitted to the Public Health Laboratory for analysis and/or examination for several parameters

Recalls

During these two months, five products were recalled.

Contraventions

During these two months, eight contraventions were issued/processed by the Health Inspectorate, four of which were related to food safety issues:

One snack bar for various hygiene related issues; and

Three outlets for not complying with undertakings

Four were environmental health related:

· Three individuals for breaching the smoking in public places regulations

· One outlet due to tobacco advertisement

From the law courts

During the last three months, seventy seven cases (out of 210 cases) were decided by the Magistrate’s Court during 12 Health Sittings held. From these cases, 55 were new whilst the remaining were brought forward from other months/years.

From the cases heard in the last quarter, those found guilty were given conditional discharges ranging from 1 month to 3 years and to fines, the total of which amounted to €3,347. The fines were imposed on the operators of:

· Hawker at Zurrieq Open Market was fined €467 for failing to provide a wash hand basin and sink in November 2011 and for being a relapser back in January, 2011.

· Fifu Bar, Misrah il-Bjar, Zejtun was fined €470 for not abiding with an undertaking which was entered into 1st March 2010.

· Cremona Meat Products Butcher Shop, Lord Byron Street, Hamrun was fined €500 for exposing for sale frozen chicken products at a temperature of more than -12°C and for not having an adequate traceability system in March 2012.

· Camilleri Wines UB 33, Industrial Estate, San Gwann was fined €470 for failing to abide with an undertaking entered upon the 23rd February, 2012.

· Reuben’s Cash and Carry, Triq Il-Burdnar, Qormi was fined €470 for failing to abide with an undertaking carried out on the 25th April, 2012.

· Mini Market, 56A, Triq L-Imtarfa, Mtarfa was fined €470 for failing to abide with an undertaking carried out on the 24th April, 2012.

· Tower Bakery, Industrial Estate, Xewkija, Gozo was fined €500 for failing to abide with an undertaking carried out on 17th May, 2012.

The following were given conditional discharges for a stipulated period:

36 months

Hawker at Zurrieq Open Market for not providing a sink and wash hand basin in November 2011.

8 months

Mark’s Self Service, Triq in-Naxxar, San Gwann for having in his possession food products with elapsed use by date, for not having a traceability system , food products with improper labelling and for exposing food to risk of contamination in April 2012.

Garage No.355, Triq il-Htajriet, Mosta for several structural deficiencies, failing to register garage and delivery vehicle IAH-142 with the Food Safety Commission, having in possession food products which were improperly labelled or which can be identified for traceability purposes, premises was not kept clean and in a good state of repair and condition, failing to implement procedures which are based on the HACCP system, failing to provide a wash hand basin in toilet with cold and hot water and suitable material for the washing and hygienic drying of hands and for failing to provide a sink for the washing of food with an adequate supply of hot water, and failing to protect food from any risk of contamination in August 2012.

6 months

Amigo’s, Wilga Street, Paceville, San Giljan for keeping equipment which comes in contact with food in a bad state of hygiene and condition, walls and floor not kept in a good state of repair and condition, premises not kept in a good hygienic condition, toilet not adequetly ventilated and food handler not registered with the Food Safety Commission in July 2011.

Hawker Reg.No. ABO 463, Pjazza 16 ta’ Settembru, Mosta for not providing a sink and wash hand basin with a supply of cold and hot water, for exposing food to risk of contamination, vehicle ABO 463 was not registered with Food Safety Commission, had packed bakery products with no durability date and for having food products with misleading labelling in January 2012.

Hawker at Farmers Market l/o Ta’ Qali, Attard for not providing a wash hand basin with a supply of cold and hot water, for not having a traceability system of food supplier, for obstructing the health authorities from performing their duties in December 2011.

Prominent Snack Bar, Triq L-Imdina, Qormi for exposing equipment to risk of contamination, walls and ceiling not kept in a good state of repair and condition, not identifying and implementing HACCP, employed food handler which was not registered with the Food Safety Commission, inadequate artificial lighting and yard of premises was not kept clean and in good condition in April 2012.

J n I (Cesula Butcher), No.57, Triq Fra Diegu, Hamrun for keeping food at inappropriate temperatures, for not having a traceability system of food suppliers, for preparing Maltese type sausages without authorisation and for exposing food products to risk of contamination in March 2012.

Vehicle No. BBJ 809 in Triq L-Inbid, Attard for not having a traceability system, had in possession food products without durability date, food products with elapsed Use by date, other food products without label and vehicle BBJ 809 was not registered with Food Safety Commission in March 2012.

S.M. (Marketing Ltd), 85, Triq Dun Loret Callus, Haz-Zebbug for having food products with elasped ‘Use By’ date, food products without durability date and without label, for not having a traceability system and premises was not registered with the Food Safety Commission in March 2012.

One accused – 3 months/One accused – 6 months

J & A 2000, No.58, Triq Dun Nerik Cordina Perez, Hamrun for removing sealed food products without permission by the Health Authority, for not having a traceability system regarding food products purchased in April 2012.

One accused – 1 month/Two accused – 6 months

Easy Way Butcher (Easy Way Self Service), Triq L-Ewwel ta’ Mejju, B’Kara for preparing marinated poultry and meat items without the SPH license, had in possession food products with improper labelling and for not having a traceability system of food suppliers in January 2012.

4 months

Hawker Van Number HBH 682 at Qormi Open Market for having food products without label, food products with tampared labelling and for not having a waste receptacle in December 2011.

3 months

Retail Marketing Ltd., Warehouses, Hard Rock Complex, Wied il-Ghasel, Naxxar for failing to provide pest control measures, walls not kept in a good state of repair and condition, not having adequate artificial lightening facilities, toilet and anteroom not ventilated, exposing food to risk of contamination, food handler not registered with the Food Safety Commission and premises was being kept in unhygenic conditions in November 2011.

Piscopo Cash & Carry, Triq L-Erba Mwiezeb, St.Paul’s Bay for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

G.S Superstore, Triq il-Parocca, Naxxar for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

No.27, Kafe Okay, Pjazza Vittorja, Naxxar for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

The Store, 5, Dingli Street, Sliema, for having in possession on June 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Simpson, Tourist Street, Bugibba for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Stop & Shop, Tourist Street, Bugibba for having in possession on June 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Quality Store, Parish Priest Magri Street, Mellieha for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Jevon Green Grocer, Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, Mellieha for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

F.V. Enterprises, Triq In-Nahal, Mellieha for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Galea Mini Market, Triq L- Isqof Tumas Gargallo, Gharghur for having in possession on June 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

The Food Shop, Triq Cassarino, Qawra for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

S & L, St.Anthony Street, Bugibba for having in possession on June 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Nine Ball Cafe, Triq it-Turisti, Qawra for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Century Choice, St.Edward Street, Qormi for having in possession on June 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning and for not giving required information to the Health Authority.

Morning Star Grocery, St.Margaret Street, Siggiewi for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Andre’s Confectionery, Triq il-Belt Valletta, Qormi for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

St. Paul’s Green Grocery, Triq il-Kbira, Qormi for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

St. Mary Self Services, Zebbug for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Guido Vella Ltd. Triq Amleto Spiteri, Qormi for having in possession on June 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Charles Cellar, Triq St. Rita, Rabat for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Pick’n Save Detergent Shop,Triq Dun Filippu Calleja, Zebbug for having in possession on August 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Farmer’s Pick, Triq Santu Wistin, Rabat for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Education Bar, Wenzu Mallia Street, Hamrun for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Kylynn Grocery, 26, Gianni Bencini Street, Sliema for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Andrew’s Store, Manuel Dimech Street, Sliema for having in possession on July 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Markers Stationery, 36A, Dingli Street, Sliema for having in possession on June 2011 cigarettes packages that were not bearing the combined pictorial health warning.

Country Fresh, Triq Tal-Ballal, San Gwann for having in possession food products without label, not having a traceability system and exposeing food to risk of contamination in April 2012.

Laham taz-Ziemel, No.28, Main Street, B’Kara for having food products without label, food products with lapsed durability date and without storage conditions indicated on label, food handler not registered with the Food Safety Commission and for not having a traceability system.

Water Bowser KBL 878 Pinto Wharf, Floriana for supplying water without being registered with the Food Safety Commission and the water being supplied was being extracted from a borehole which was not registered with the Health Authority in May 2012.

Hal-Tmien Butcher, 66, Triq id-Dahla ta’ San Tumas, Zejtun for not identifying the Critical Control Points, had in possession food products without label, meat products without identification mark, food products with missing information on label and without traceability records, food was kept in temperatures which are a risk to health, premises was not registered with Food Safety Commission and operating premises not in accordance to licence and it’s conditions in July 2012.

Cassar Butcher, 109, Triq Santa Marija, Ghaxaq for not identifying the Critical Control Points, wash hand basin of toilet not provided with hot water, anteroom not ventilated, food products with missing information on label, food products with misleading labelling, kept food products not in accordance with the storage conditions indicated on label and not adequate food products traceability in July 2012.

Wok to Walk, 134, The Strand, Gzira for not keeping premises, equipment, walls and floor in a good state of hygiene, exposing food to risk of contamination, wash hand basin in preparation area not provided with a supply of hot water and the windows and doors leading to the outside were not provided with adequate insect screens in June 2012.

1 month

Operator of St. Mary Band Club, No. 315, Triq il-Kungress Ewkaristiku, Mosta for failing to register as a food handler with the Food Safety Commission in September 2011.

Fifu Bar, Misrah il-Bjar, Zejtun for not having a wash hand basin provided with a supply of hot and cold water, lighting fixtures not shielded, failing to have a HACCP system and anteroom of staff and patron’s toilet not adequately ventilated back in June 2010.

Fish Hawker at Misrah 13 ta’ Dicembru, Zejtun for not providing a wash hand basin and sink with a supply of cold and hot water in July 2011.

Ford Van Reg. No. AAM 746 parked in Triq il-Knisja l-Qadima, B’Kara for exposing food to risk of contamination in February 2012.

Zachary House, Industrial Estate, Marsa for giving incorrect declaration to the Health Authority in May 2012.

Gejtu Butcher, Triq San Mikiel, Zurrieq for manufacturing prepared meat products without the SPH license in March 2012.

Stall No.36, Toto Butcher, Valletta Market, Merchant Street, Valletta for having in possession poultry products at a temperature of more than -12°C in June 2012.

Johnny’s Farmshop, Valletta Market, Merchant Street, Valletta for not having food suppliers traceability system in June 2012.

Villa Robinich, Triq il-Kuluvert, Fgura for having its water system supplied with 2nd class water and the private water supplier was supplying this type of water without being registered with the Food Safety Commission in July 2012.

Mini Market, 56A, Triq L-Imtarfa, Mtarfa for operating premises not in accordance to licence and its conditions in July 2012.

Emergency Control Orders

During the last two months, four emergency control orders were issued against operators.

Emergency Prohibition Orders

During February and March, three premises were close down by the Health Authority due to imminent risk to public health, as follows:

Meat Point Sunlight Garage, Triq Mastru Salvu Pulis, Qormi;

Main Kitchen of Splash & Fun Park, Coast Rd., Bahar ic-Caghaq; and

Mandes Cafeteria, St. Paul Str., Rabat

These were allowed to reopen once remedial action was taken by the food business operators to remove the risk.

Complaints

During February and March, 653 complaints were lodged with the Directorate. The Environmental Health Directorate takes this opportunity to remind the public that it can contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 7:00am and 3:00pm on telephone number 21337333, by calling personally at its offices at Continental Business Centre, Cutrico Buildings, Old Railway Track, Santa Venera or by email complaints.ph@gov.mt

For further information, the public is also encouraged to visit the Directorate’s website at URL: https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/public_health/environmental-health/department_for_env_health.aspx or on its facebook page on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Environmental-Health-Directorate-Malta/145027878928626.

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