A new surveillance unit at the pitkalija open market has been inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo and Malta Food Agency CEO Brian Vella.

Refalo said that this new unit is the first of its kind within the industry, adding that this new measure will also raise the standards of the local fruit, vegetables and fish products.

He said that many people have been approaching him lamenting about foreign products being advertised and sold as local products.

The minister said that this new unit truly brings out the mission statement of the MFA and the ministry for the industry, which is to make local food better and more sustainable.

Vella said that the MFA had started working on the project as soon as it was announced as a budget measure.

He said that apart from ensuring that local products are truly as labelled, this new unit will set the bar for fruit and vegetables standards, something that until now Malta was one of the few European member states that didn’t have them.

Frequent inspections in all work chains within the pitkalija will also be done. Apart from this, inspectors will also be given the needed training.

The new surveillance unit is also in charge of any laws related to food and to regulate the farmer’s market.

Services offered to farmers and customers within the industry will also be tacked to become better, said Vella.