Imagine this: You’re strolling through the bustling streets of Malta’s Marsaxlokk, the aroma of fresh thyme wafting from the market stalls. You pick up a packet, eager to add its fragrant leaves to your next dish. But hold on, you might want to think twice before you buy. A health warning has been issued over contaminated thyme packets, leaving locals and tourists alike wondering what’s in their spice racks.

The Superintendence of Public Health has issued a stark warning: some thyme packets may contain harmful bacteria. The contaminated packets, sold under the brand ‘Herbs & Spices’, have been recalled from stores across Malta and Gozo. The bacteria in question, Salmonella, can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

But how did this happen? The contamination is believed to have occurred during the packing process. “It’s a wake-up call for the food industry,” says Dr. Charmaine Gauci, Superintendent of Public Health. “We must ensure stringent hygiene measures at every stage, from farm to fork.”

If you’ve recently bought thyme, it’s crucial to check if your packet is among those recalled. The affected packets are 10g in size, with a best-before date of March 2023. They were sold in various stores, including supermarkets and local shops, so it’s wise to double-check even if you didn’t buy from a major retailer.

If you find an affected packet, don’t panic. Simply return it to the store where you bought it for a refund. Don’t consume or dispose of it, as it could still pose a risk. The Environmental Health Directorate is urging the public to cooperate to prevent any further spread of the bacteria.

While this incident is a reminder of the importance of food safety, it’s also an opportunity to brush up on our own kitchen habits. Here are some tips from the experts:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, especially when switching between different types of food.
• Cook food thoroughly, ensuring that meat is well-done and eggs are cooked until the yolk is firm.
• Store raw and cooked foods separately to prevent cross-contamination.

By following these simple steps, we can all do our part to keep our food safe and our families healthy.

This incident has sparked a conversation about the safety measures in place within the food industry. The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) is working closely with the Superintendence of Public Health to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.

“We’re committed to protecting consumers,” says Helga Pizzuto, CEO of MCCAA. “We’re reviewing our regulations and working with industry stakeholders to enhance food safety standards across the board.”

In the meantime, let’s all do our part to stay informed and stay safe. After all, our health is our greatest wealth.