Air purifying equipment suppliers jumping the gun

I refer to the article carried last Sunday in this column in which I highlighted the offensive and extremely disturbing, mercenary approach adopted by certain local importers and suppliers of air purifying equipment. Last Monday the following press release issued by the Malta Standards Authority (MSA) was carried in The Malta Independent:

"The MSA has not yet drawn up technical specifications for air quality and therefore importers cannot claim to be selling air-purifying equipment that satisfies the MSA standard, according to a statement issued by the Department of Information.

"Owners of establishments such as bars and restaurants have been approached by importers who claim to be selling air-purifying equipment that conforms to the standards set by the MSA.

"'The technical committee established to draw up the technical specifications for air-purifying equipment has not yet concluded its deliberations,' the statement said and therefore no equipment can be claimed to conform to MSA-approved standards or specifications."

Yes, the MSA has set up a technical committee of which I am a member as a representative of the Consumers' Association. Indeed, we have not yet concluded our deliberations.

At this point I must echo the president of the World Medical Association, James Appleyard, when he described the approach taken by suppliers of air-purifying equipment.

I cannot think of a better way to describe such greedy importers, who claim to be selling air-purifying equipment that conforms to the standards set by the MSA when the respective standards have not yet been established.

Yes indeed, this is nothing other than, as Dr Appleyard said, "a con trick - a dishonest way of misleading people".

I cannot refrain from yet again quoting Dr Appleyard, who asked: "Do you trust the industry which sells this product, or physicians? The smoking lobby raises doubts about the whole issue, and this terrifies people." He also said: "Tobacco manufacturers spend £11.3 million annually to promote their products." Can you imagine how much money is made by tobacco manufacturers?

So, if you own a pub, a restaurant or any other catering establishment and you have received a letter informing you that you are, or will soon be, legally obliged to buy this type of equipment and material promoting this equipment, send me a copy of the letter.

As usual, in line with our policy, we will give the respective company or companies a fair opportunity to give us their comments before publication. We must work together on this issue.