Malta Health Alert: Thyme Packets Recalled
Thyme Out: Health Alert Over Local Herb Packets
Imagine this: you’re at the bustling Mercado Central in Valletta, browsing the vibrant stalls, and you pick up a packet of thyme, a staple in Maltese cuisine. But hold on, what if that packet could make you sick? This isn’t a hypothetical scenario anymore, as the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has issued a health warning over certain thyme packets.
What’s the Buzz About?
The MCCAA recently discovered that some thyme packets contain high levels of ochratoxin A, a toxic substance produced by certain moulds. This toxin can cause kidney damage and may even be carcinogenic. The affected packets, imported from Turkey, were found in various local shops and supermarkets.
“We’re talking about a potential health risk here,” says Dr. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta. “Our consumers deserve to know what they’re putting on their tables.”
Which Packets to Watch Out For?
The MCCAA has identified the following packets as potentially harmful:
- Thyme (Zatar) – 50g, packed in Turkey, with no batch number or expiry date.
- Thyme (Zatar) – 100g, packed in Turkey, with batch number 20210505 and expiry date 05/2023.
If you have any of these packets at home, the MCCAA advises you to dispose of them immediately and not consume them.
What’s Being Done?
The MCCAA has already removed the affected packets from the market and is working with retailers to ensure no more contaminated packets are sold. They’re also conducting further tests to determine if other packets are affected.
Minister for Health, Chris Fearne, reassures the public, “We’re taking this seriously. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our consumers.”
In the meantime, what can you do? If you’re unsure about your thyme packets, contact the MCCAA’s consumer helpline on 145. They’re there to help and ensure your peace of mind.
: A Call to Action
This incident serves as a reminder that our health is in our hands. Let’s stay vigilant, check our packets, and report any suspicions. Together, we can keep Malta safe and healthy.
As Dr. Coleiro Preca puts it, “Let’s not wait for problems to knock on our door. Let’s be proactive, informed consumers.”
