The risk of food poisoning, particularly from fish, increases at this time of the year due to the accumulation of chemicals, such as histamines in the fish that is not kept cool or under ice during retail, which cause allergy symptoms.

The Environmental Health Directorate said in a statement that while it encouraged the consumption of fresh local fish, it wanted emphasise the importance of certain basic principles.

Eight outbreaks of Scombrotoxicity from improperly stored fish were reported in 2007, involving 20 people. Another eight isolated cases suffered from scombroid food poisoning.

Last year, only four cases were reported.

The directorate said it wanted to remind consumers that fish is fresh when:

1. eyes are clear and bulging ;

2. gills are red or pink and not grey ;

3. scales should be intact, no evidence of missing scales and no patches;

4. skin should be shiny with a healthy looking colour;

5. skin should be wet and slightly slimy;

6. tail should be stiff ;

7. fish meat should be stiff but elastic (no mark is left when flesh is pressed);

8. the fish must have a pleasant smell of seaweed and sea.

Consumers had to ensure that :

1. fish is covered with enough ice;

2. the seller is observing basic hygiene rules, personal hygiene and that no smoking is carried out;

3. anyone handling cash in a food business should either be a different person from the food handler or washes his hands before handling food;

4. flies are kept under control;

5. knives are kept clean,;

6. worktop and tray are of a material that can be cleaned and are actually clean.

Consumers had to:

1. ensure that foodstuffs that require cold temperature are bought last;

2. go directly home after shopping these kind of foodstuffs;

3. keep a small cooler to keep these products in;

4. store fish separate from other products such as soap;

5. ensure to keep foodstuffs like fish in a refrigerator or freezer immediately on arrival at home.

The directorate said that while consumers are encouraged to consume fresh local fish, they should ensure proper fish storage during retail and at home.

If fish is noted to be kept in unhygienic conditions, consumers are kindly requested to contact the Health Inspectorate on 2133 7333 or by email at complaints.ph@gov.mt .