Fish market to be upgraded

A call for tenders for upgrading works at the fish market was expected to be issued shortly, Fisheries Minister Ninu Zammit said yesterday.

The works would include the installation of an ice production machine, to make ice available within the market.

Other calls for tenders will follow for upgrading works at the cold stores and crate cleaning depot, the minister said.

Mr Zammit was speaking during the presentation of certificates to fish hawkers who attended a course on good hygiene practice.

The course has been going on for a while and has already been attended by some 350 fish hawkers. Future courses are expected to also cater for fishermen, fishmongers and cold store employees.

The minister said that under new regulations all those in the food business must register with the health department.

Registration only followed successful participation in a course on food handling.

Only those in possession of such a certificate of participation would be awarded a permit to manage food.

The minister said that the section for the conservation and control of fishing would be taking initiatives to guarantee the quality of fish that reached the consumer.

New plastic boxes for the fish would be introduced and fishermen would also be given assistance to improve fish storage facilities.