Van full of 'unsafe' food from Albania intercepted before reaching consumers

Food safety officials have seized and ordered the destruction of a shipment of food products that arrived in Malta from Albania after finding they breached food safety rules.

The Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) said it was alerted by the Tax and Customs Administration after a van carrying food products arrived in Malta via the Sicily ferry. The vehicle had travelled from Albania through Sicily before reaching the island.

Following an inspection, officials found that a range of products, including meat, yoghurt, cheese, eggs, olive oil, snacks, soft drinks, beans, alcohol, salt and juices, did not comply with food safety regulations.

According to the authority, some products had been transported at unsuitable temperatures, while others lacked the required labelling and traceability documentation.

The entire consignment was immediately sealed and will be destroyed to protect public health and the local food industry.

The FSSA also said it had not been notified of the consignment's arrival, despite legal requirements obliging traders to inform the authority at least 48 hours before bringing animals, food, feed or plants into Malta, including goods originating from within the European Union.

The authority warned it would continue taking action against operators who fail to comply with notification and food safety rules.

It thanked the Tax and Customs Administration for alerting it to the consignment and assisting in the operation.

No information about the total amount of food seized was provided.