Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) reports went up in Malta in 2024, according to the latest figures.

Data comes from an annual report published by the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit (IDCU), which is the national center responsible for the surveillance, prevention, and control of infectious diseases in Malta.

For Campylobacter, 498 sporadic cases were reported and there were 35 clusters that affected 81 individuals. The suspected source of infections was food consumed in households, takeaways, and from restaurants. In 2023, 466 cases were reported.

For E. coli, 82 cases were recorded, of which 14 had STEC cultured. Eleven were non-O157 and three were E. coli O157. Ten cases were imported, including the three O157 cases. Three clusters of six individuals were also reported. In 2023, there were 70 cases, of which 12 had STEC cultured.

There were 142 cases of Salmonella, as well as 15 clusters affecting 48 people. One outbreak was caused by contamination of raw tuna and salmon consumed as sushi. In 2023, 153 cases were noted. An outbreak affected 20 people, including four confirmed Salmonella Enteritidis infections.

A total of 37 cases of cryptosporidiosis were reported to the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit as well as five clusters of nine individuals.

No cases of Listeria were reported to or investigated by IDCU and there were four confirmed Hepatitis A infections, of which two were imported. In 2023, two cases of Listeria were investigated by IDCU. Whole genome sequencing was carried out and samples from one sick person matched those from raw sausage consumed from a butcher.

There were 11 sporadic cases and one cluster of three people who suffered from Scombroid poisoning, most of which were caused by the consumption of tinned and raw tuna.

There were 27 cases of unspecified foodborne illness and 19 outbreaks affecting 123 people.

New food safety agency
Malta’s Parliament is also in the process of discussing a bill that would create a new authority to act as the sole agency with regard to food in the country, and to transfer certain powers to the minister responsible for food as part of a reorganization of duties.

The Food Safety and Security Authority Bill was introduced by Michael Falzon, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights.

The current plan is to have a Board of Governors with nine to 11 members including people with experience or qualifications in matters concerning food safety, veterinary services, or environmental health.

Functions of the agency will include enhancing food safety by centralizing and streamlining controls to ensure that food placed on the market is safe for human consumption and to prepare contingency plans against potential hazards along the food chain by adopting a risk-based approach.

The authority and the Superintendent of Public Health will work together to ensure protection against foodborne illnesses and to safeguard public health.