With the establishment of the Food Safety and Security Authority, Malta signals its commitment to a future where safe food, sustainable practices, and national resilience go hand in hand. This new Authority will oversee compliance with EU and international regulations across the entire supply chain, strengthening both public health and economic competitiveness.

Malta has taken another step toward a safer and more sustainable food future with the launch of the Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA).

Established under the Food Safety and Security Authority Act 2025, the new body will oversee all aspects of food production, processing, and importation to ensure they all meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and traceability. The FSSA will oversee compliance with EU and international regulations across the entire supply chain, strengthening both public health and economic competitiveness.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that this initiative aligns with Malta 2050 Vision as it focuses on sustainable agriculture, local produce, and future food security. The government has invested €20 million to modernise Malta’s food infrastructure to upgrade the Public Abattoir, rolling out ‘Farm to Table’ traceability systems, and developing a new agricultural market alongside a Food Innovation Hub. These initiatives are complemented by efforts to cut food waste, protect agricultural land, and encourage local fish consumption.

Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo described the creation of the FSSA as a turning point as it brings Malta’s food safety functions under one national structure, marking an important step toward a more coordinated and science-driven approach. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and high-quality food, recognising the authority’s role in addressing climate change and food crises.

The launch also drew praise from European officials. European Commissioner Christophe Hansen commended Malta’s efforts to strengthen its agricultural resilience through EU policies, while Dr Nikolaus Kriz, Director of the European Food Safety Authority, congratulated Malta for strengthening its capacity to protect citizens, animal health, and the environment.

Ahead of the launch, Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated Malta’s need for tailored EU support, particularly within the Common Agricultural Policy, to ensure that local farmers and herders receive sustainable assistance to secure the sector’s future.