Summer brings about a rise in temperature and an increase in complaints lodged with health inspectorate officials.

In June alone, the directorate received 619 complaints, up from 558 in May.

This is a twofold increase when compared to the 338 reports lodged in January.

The most common complaint is about pest infestation. The Environmental Health Directorate treats sewers and rubble walls with rat baits through its own Pest Control Unit.

Another common complaint is about improper food storage, which saw an increase from four complaints in April to seven and 10 in May and June.

Last month the directorate warned operators that inspections were being carried out to make sure suppliers do not leave products like bread and milk on doorsteps of closed shops.

Another phenomenon noted in recent months is a considerable increase in illegal advertising of electronic cigarettes. Although there were only 12 adverts in April and 28 in May, this shot up to 79 on local websites in June.

Last month the health authorities warned against adverts for electronic cigarettes that claim they are not tobacco products.

The directorate had noticed that promotion of this product was on the increase and reminded stakeholders that, although smoking devices simulating cigarettes or tobacco were not illegal, their advertising and use were regulated under standing provisions for tobacco products.

People can report any establishment ignoring basic standards on 2133 7333 between 7.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. or by e-mailing complaints.ph@gov.mt.