Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546155
THE health authorities did their duty when issuing a warning about a Hepatitis A cluster that was linked to a particular food outlet. It was the only way of reaching out to unsuspecting victims of the virus, who may have been experiencing weird symptoms they could not explain. It was also a public interest matter given the origins of the cluster and the consequential need to raise awareness about food handling hygiene. However, we expected the health authorities to give a regular update of the situation, following that first statement issued to the public last week. The authorities shouldn't have waited for the media to ask about the num- ber of new Hepatitis A cases in the days that followed. On a matter of public health, they should have proac- tively released updates to keep people informed of the situation. Information helps set the record straight, avoid- ing unnecessary speculation and conjecture. Additionally, the food safety authority, which was com- pletely absent, should have also outlined all the precau- tionary measures that were taken at the food outlet to put people's minds at rest. This was not done and all we were left with was a ridiculous AI-generated statement issued by Deli & Co. that accused the health authorities of issuing an unsubstantiated warning. Instead of apologising to stricken customers, explain what happened, what measures were taken to address the matter and what measures will be taken going forward, the company was more interested in casting doubt on the veracity of the claims and shifting blame. It was the wrong strategy, more so when the company itself admitted that the last working day of the employee, who was infected with Hep A, fell squarely within the incubation period for the infection and within the time- frame identified by the health authorities. Even if Deli & Co. have impeccable cleanliness at their premises and good food handling protocols, it all boils down to whether employees always follow those protocols. Nobody is blaming the employee for having been infected with Hepatitis A. Indeed, given the lengthy incubation period of the disease, he wouldn't have known that he was infected. But given the method by which the disease is spread it is evident that there was a lapse in the hygiene protocol. Not washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet and then handling food is one of the primary routes of transmission. And this is why, Deli & Co.'s initial response was irri- tating and disrespectful to those who got infected. Their second response last Monday, also AI-generated, dropped the accusations against the health authorities but still offered no apology and no explanation of what went wrong and what in-shop measures were taken, apart from sending employees to take a blood test and ensuring the sick employee did not return to work before clearance was obtained from the health authorities. The second response sounded more like damage control rather than accounta- bility. It is precisely because of the behaviour of companies like Deli & Co. that the onus to inform the public of what measures were taken to ensure the health scare has been addressed should fall on the public authorities. The public shouldn't be waiting for information as if it were manna falling from heaven, or relying on AI-generated statements by the concerned establishment. The public has a right to know and the authorities have a duty to provide accurate, ongoing information until the matter does not require any more attention. But this singular incident has cast the spotlight on a much wider issue—food handling certification. Any per- son who prepares and handles food is required to attend a course on hygiene and food handling. Those who suc- cessfully complete these rather short courses are given a certificate that is recognised by the authorities. The question we expect the authorities to look into is, what standards do these courses have? Is it every Tom, Dick and Harry, who can pass with minimum effort? And are enough inspections carried out by the authorities to ensure food handling hygiene is maintained in establish- ments that serve food? We do not believe Malta has a crisis but one way of en- suring public health is safeguarded in the catering indus- try is through random inspections and punitive measures that are proportionate to the offence. Customers expect nothing less than ongoing vigilance and transparency from the authorities. Why we expected more from the health and food authorities maltatoday MaltaToday, MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016 MANAGING EDITOR: SAVIOUR BALZAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR: KURT SANSONE DEPUTY PRINT EDITOR: LAURA CALLEJA Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt 11 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 12 AUGUST 2026 EDITORIAL The public shouldn't be waiting for information as if it were manna falling from heaven, or relying on AI- generated statements by the concerned establishment