More than 23,368 kilogrammes of food were destroyed by the Health Inspectorate last month.

These included 21,230kg of wheat flour which grew mould after water entered into the container and another 988 kilogrammes of wheat flour due to not being of the nature, substance and quality demanded by the purchaser.

The department also destroyed:

600kg of dried figs which did not have the mandatory consignment code on the individual packages; 138.4kg of cannoli siciliani for not being of the nature, substance and quality demanded by purchaser; 67.6kg of confectionery goods because of the presence of foreign objects;

60kg of boneless chicken due to lack of traceability; 76.08kg of confectionery goods and 54.25kg of processed meats produced in a non-authorised establishment; 46.015kg of several foodstuffs due to lapsed durability date;

36.6kg of rabbit meat, bacon and other meat products due to lack of traceability and risk of contamination; 23.70kg meat products due to lack of proper labelling; 21.9kg of meat products such as poultry and rabbits and 8kg of ravioli due to lack of traceability; 9.1kg of fresh poultry being sold as frozen; and 8.4kg of tuna steaks due to presence of histamine;

One consignment of tattoo equipment was also withheld by the Port Health Services.

In April, 439 complaints were lodged with the Directorate.

The Health Inspectorate Services can be contacted between 7.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. on 2137333, or at 37-39, Rue D'Argens, Msida, email complaints.ph@gov.mt .