More than 9,334 kilogrammes of food was destroyed by the Health Inspectorate in February.

These included 5,240kg of beef following a rapid alert notification due to fraudulent certificates; 3,510kg of dried figs due to high aflatoxin levels; 522kg of various expired foodstuffs; 21.2kg of smoked fish due to lack of traceability; 18.25kg delicatessen due to being exposed to risk of contamination; 6.8kg Maltese-type sausages being produced without authorisation; 8.4kg pistachios due to presence of aflatoxins; and 1.2kg honey, 1.2kg syrup, and five litres alcoholic beverages due to improper labelling.

The inspectorate said it issued 15 contraventions, 11 of which were related to food safety.

A butcher shop was ordered to stop from processing, manufacturing and packing of meat products without the necessary licence that is issued from the Health Authority.

A total of 346 complaints were lodged with the directorate.