The Malta Standards Authority said it carried out a total of 518 inspections at local retail outlets and others in 2009, and a total of 2,227 different 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, among others.

The past year has seen no fewer than 381 samples being elevated from the market, including among others, electrical and electronic equipment, lighters, toys, pesticides, cosmetics and pyrotechnic articles. The samples elevated were inspected and tested as required to ensure compliance of the products to legal requirements, which include legal notices, directives and harmonised standards. A total of 179 samples were tested in laboratories overseas to ensure compliance.

During 2009, a total of 14 products encountered on the Maltese market were found to be unsafe and notified on the RAPEX system. The products notified to the European Commission were six electrical appliances, two types of lighters, three chemical products, two toys and one food imitating product. Moreover 95 reactions were made to notifications done on RAPEX of products found on the local market. These reactions included mainly motor vehicles.

Two samples of locally grown food were also found to contain levels of pesticides above the maximum residue level (MRL) acceptable. In one case, the product was banned from being placed on the market while in the other, action was taken against the farmer concerned. One consignment of illegal pesticides was also found “at the border” and the consignment was detained. This action was taken in conjunction with Customs. Legal action was also taken against the importer of these pesticides.