More than nine tonnes of food were destroyed by the health authorities last month.

Almost 5.2 tonnes of beef were recalled and destroyed because of fraudulent certificates together with another 3.5 tonnes of dried figs that had high levels of aflatoxin, a type of fungus.

Another 522 kilos were expired and 18 kilos of delicatessen had been exposed to risk of contamination.

Fifty-nine consignments of imported food were inspected by environmental health officers and one consignment of tattoo equipment was withheld by the port health services. The public can contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 7.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. on 2133 7333 or by calling at its offices at 37-39, Rue D’Argens, Msida or e-mail complaints.ph@gov.mt.

It can also visit the Environment Health Directorate website at https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/public_health/environmental-health/department_for_env_health.aspx or its Facebook on www.facebook.com/pages/Environmental-Health-Directorate-Malta/145027878928626.