Outlets targeted over risk to public health

Four food outlets had milk confiscated last month after they failed to keep the cartons at the appropriate temperatures, the Environmental Health Department said.

This included two hawkers in the Mosta open market, one retailer in Marsascala and another in Floriana and a deliveryman in Marsascala.

Additionally, a restaurant in Valletta was booked for not ensuring traceability and a retailer in Fgura was booked following complaints of physical hazards present in food.

The department said that in September its inspectors also found structural defects, lack of hygiene, labelling irregularities and lack of food hygiene training in 19 outlets.

The inspectors destroyed over 200kg of expired foodstuffs seized from a wholesaler in Marsa and more than 100kg of dairy products stored under inadequate conditions by two outlets in Qormi and Floriana.

In September, three emergency prohibition orders were issued due to a risk to public health. The orders were served on two outlets of Freddie Store in Spencer Hill, Marsa and the other on a pastizzerija situated at 33, Ta' Ċieda Street, San Ġwann. These outlets were closed down until they come in line.

The public can contact the Health Inspectorate Services on 2133 7333 or by dropping an e-mail to complaints.ph@gov.mt.