This comment was a response to manufacturers’ complaints about the scarcity of sugar. They said their usual suppliers were not meeting demand. Mr Vassallo said this could be because the subsidies for sugar have not yet come into effect. In fact, the applications were issued yesterday morning.

Some of the importers complained that they were still being asked to show the health certification of products that are, technically, in free circulation.

This is usually asked for when the products come from developing countries, said Dr Carmel Lino Vella, of the Food and Veterinary Regulatory Division.

Although Malta is now part of the EU there are still “teething problems” in the system, he said. The problem may be arising from the stevedores or from people at that stage of importation.

Mr Vassallo noted a peculiarity in the importation of meat. Before 1 May, a lot of meat was being imported but this dried up after EU accession and very little meat is being imported. He gave no possible reason for this, but said it is a very strange occurrence.

The parliamentary secretary told importers to be aware that some products that are cheap from Italy and other EU countries are not always of a high standard.

Sometimes the products would have been made for developing countries and this is why they are so cheap, he said.

Mr Vassallo said importation is moving closer to stability. Not enough chicken is being imported and consumers’ demands are not being met.

When speaking about pasta, a particular brand of foreign pasta is more popular with the public, said Mr Vassallo. Imported wine is not as cheap as expected, he said, and the Maltese product is still ranks high as the consumer’s favourite.

The Maltese tomatoes and kunserva are of a high quality and this is reflected in the consumer market.

This quality is being further safeguarded by regular testing for tin content, which is considered to be a health hazard, continued Mr Vassallo. The milk produced by Benna is also still in high demand.

Representatives from Customs, the Consumer and Competition and Commerce Division, the VAT and Health Departments were also present at the meeting.

More people attended the first four meetings than the one held yesterday.

Mr Vassallo said the reduction in numbers is hopefully a sign that certain problems have been addressed and importation is becoming more stable.