Eminent scientists and researchers will join food safety experts in a debate to tackle questions raised on the quality of local produce following reports by Times of Malta throughout this year.

This newspaper has revealed various facts related to the production of our food that results in the contamination of the environment. The debate will address the main question of the impact of all this on public health.

Since March, this newspaper has published several reports revealing that the spread of slurry (animal waste) on agricultural fields continues to occur, despite the practice being illegal.

The reports provoked an investigation by the Ombudsman’s office and the initial findings reveal that the practice is geographically widespread.

Experts will discuss any precautions that people can take to ensure food is safe to consume

Experts will be available during the debate to address concerns about the possible spread of disease from such practices and to discuss any precautions that people can take to ensure food is safe to consume.

The discussion will go beyond farming practices to discuss the impact of fireworks on public health, after revelations by chemical expert Alfred Vella that research by the University of Malta had discovered toxic chemicals from fireworks were present in Maltese homes and agricultural produce.

Experts representing the authorities responsible for food production and monitoring will join the scientists present to address public concerns.

The debate will be held at the University’s Valletta campus in St Paul Street on Tuesday at 8pm as part of the Science in the City programme of activities organised by the University of Malta.