Progress made in food safety issues - minister

Globalisation has allowed food to be transported across borders and countries but this has increased possible point of contamination, Health Minister Joe Cassar said this morning.

Speaking during a three-day conference on food safety organised by Hygiene Nutrition and Safety Consultancy Services and Corinthia Hotels and targeted at hotels and the manufacturing industry, Dr Cassar said Malta made progress in food safety in both intentional and non-intentional contamination.

The burden of contamination was compounded by the effects of climate change which could result in higher levels of pathogens.

The infection and disease control unit, he said investigated cases and identified the possible source and it also monitored the trends of food borne illnesses.

Consumers expected food to be safe. The government invested in equipment for scientific identification and officials were trained to carry out investigations.

Food safety issues, the minister said, were international threats and could start at any point in the production chain, including during the preparation at home.

The conference ends today.