A farmer has been issued with a warning from the agriculture department after slurry was found dumped on his Magħtab field, following a tip-off by Times of Malta.
Photographic evidence of the illegally dumped animal waste was forwarded to the department for action to be taken.
The department confirmed the breach, saying it carried out immediate inspections following the report and would be taking the necessary steps against the farmer.
Washing the harvest with water, and/or vinegar, can reduce the microbial risks but not necessarily eliminate them
The use of slurry on agricultural fields is illegal, but over the last six months Times of Malta has published several reports of its use across the country by farmers using it as fertiliser.
The agriculture department said punitive action to be taken against such abuse depended on whether previous offences had occurred.
On a first report of a breach, the farmer is sent a warning letter informing him of the remedial action to be taken, including registration of the agricultural fields and drawing up of crop and fertiliser plans. That enables the department to monitor the farmer’s application of fertiliser with the aim of stemming future abuse.
A 28-day period is given to the farmer to “rectify the offence” – essentially the farmer is made to plough the field to minimise seepage of the slurry into the water table. A follow-up inspection is then carried out to verify compliance. If the breach reoccurs, legal action may be taken against the farmer.
This action does not address any possible impact on future crops planted in the field since it is the Environmental Health Authority that is responsible for checks on food safety.
Times of Malta had revealed that the inspections carried out by public health authorities were not based on reports of abuse received by the agriculture department. The Health Ministry has since committed to address such reports in future inspections conducted.
The spread of food borne infection is one of the main health risks resulting from the use of unprocessed liquid slurry on gricultural fields, according to food scientist Vasilis Valdramidis who is Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta.
He also referred to scientific reports on the possibility of bacteria entering the fresh produce through, for example, the leaves – referred to as ‘bacterial internalisation’. “Washing the harvest with water, and/or vinegar, can reduce the microbial risks but not necessarily eliminate them,” Dr Valdramidis said.
The Ombudsman’s office is investigating the health and environmental risks of the illegal use of slurry on agricultural fields. Initial findings indicate the practice is geographically “widespread”.
Health Minister Konrad Mizzi said in Parliament that 19 public complaints on the matter were received from various localities in Malta and Gozo over two years.
The Nitrate Action Programme Regulations implemented in 2011 state “the land application of slurry shall not be permitted”.
Times of Malta will be moderating a debate on food safety on Tuesday, September 23, at 8pm at St James Cavalier as part of the Science in the City programme of activities.