Thyme Threat: Health Alert Issued Over Local Spice Packets

Imagine reaching for a pinch of thyme from your kitchen cabinet to season your traditional Maltese ‘timpani’, only to find out it might not be as harmless as it seems. The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has issued a health warning over certain thyme packets circulating on the local market, sending shockwaves through our culinary community.

What’s in Your Thyme Packet?

The MCCAA’s alert, issued on Tuesday, warns consumers about packets of thyme containing high levels of ochratoxin A (OTA), a toxic compound produced by certain fungi that can pose serious health risks. The affected packets, bearing the brand name ‘Thyme’, were found to contain OTA levels exceeding the European Union’s maximum limit by a staggering 14 times.

OTA, when consumed in large quantities, can cause kidney damage and may even be carcinogenic. It’s a stark reminder that our pantry staples aren’t always as innocent as they appear.

Where to Find the Affected Packets

The MCCAA has identified the affected packets as 20g packets of ‘Thyme’ sold in local supermarkets and grocery stores. While the specific outlets haven’t been named, it’s a wake-up call for all of us to check our pantries and discard any packets matching the description.

If you’re unsure, the MCCAA advises looking for the following details on the packet:

• Brand name: Thyme
• Net weight: 20g
• Batch number: 20210301
• Best before date: 31/03/2023

What Should You Do?

If you’ve found the affected packets in your home, the MCCAA advises against consuming them and disposing of them immediately. You can also return them to the point of purchase for a refund.

For those of us who love to cook with fresh herbs, this serves as a reminder to consider growing our own thyme or buying from trusted local suppliers. The MCCAA also encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions or findings to their helpline on 145.

In the meantime, let’s hope this isn’t a sign of things to come and that our local authorities continue to monitor our food supply to keep us safe and healthy.

“This is a wake-up call for us all,” says local chef and food blogger, Joseph Xuereb. “We need to be more conscious of what we’re putting into our bodies and support local, sustainable agriculture.”