Two samples of locally grown food were last year found to exceed the maximum permitted level of pesticide residue, the Malta Standards Authority said today.

In one case, the product was banned from being placed on the market whilst in the other, action was taken against the farmer concerned.

One consignment of illegal pesticides was also seized. Legal action was also taken against the importer.

Reporting on its activities last year, the MSA said that 14 products on the Maltese market were found to be unsafe and notified to the European Commission. Six were electrical appliances, two were lighters, three were chemical products, two were toys and the other was a food imitating product.

Inspectors made 518 inspections at local retail outlets and 2,227 products were inspected for compliance to their applicable EU Directives/Standards. Products inspected included pesticides, detergents, lifts, cosmetics, toys, electrical equipment as well as household appliances.

The MSA did not give specific details on the cases it reported.