Farmers close to fireworks factory blast ordered not to sell or use produce
They will be compensated for their losses
Farmers who till land close to the Magħtab fireworks factory blast have been banned from consuming or selling unharvested produce and are being reassured they will be compensated.
The food safety and security authority feels the produce may have been contaminated in the blast.
Farmers have also been banned from using or selling fodder that they have harvested but stored on site.
Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo told Times of Malta that farmers will be compensated for their losses.
His reassurance follows a letter sent by the Food Safety and Security Authority to farmers on Tuesday.
“For your safety, and in order to protect public health from any possible contamination, we are issuing this official directive instructing you to refrain from selling or consuming any agricultural products originating from the affected area,” the letter says.
Momentum chair Arnold Cassola shared the letter sent to farmers in the vicinity of the blast on Saturday night.
“Is the Magħtab tragedy a disaster for our food safety and economy,” Cassola asked.
The letter, which details the directive, is dated June 2, the day after the massive explosion at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory, on the outskirts of Naxxar.
The explosion killed a number of cows and birds and also caused property damage. It injured horses and two farmers.
When contacted, Agriculture Minister Refalo said the directive was “a precautionary measure until the necessary assessments and verifications are completed”.
He said the measure is in the interest of public health and food safety.
“The authority will compensate affected producers for any loss of income resulting from these measures, as it has also done in similar cases in the past”.
“The ministry reiterates its commitment to the highest food safety standards and will continue to support food producers, farmers and the agricultural community throughout this process,” he said.