Malta: food inspections

In Malta the app follows the Food Safety Act (Cap. 449), the Temperature Control Regulations (S.L. 449.55) and the Malta Tourism Authority licence standards (S.L. 409.15); the FSSA inspects, and there is no public rating.

Inspection body

Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA, Awtorità għas-Sigurtà tal-Ikel)

The Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) has been the single food authority since 9 July 2025 (Act XV of 2025, Cap. 649). It registers, licenses and inspects food businesses. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) licenses catering places and checks the licence standards in S.L. 409.15.

Inspections are regular and happen when non-compliance is suspected, with frequency based on risk (Cap. 449, art. 26). Authorised officers can enter at reasonable times, inspect records on paper or computer, take samples and stop the use of food. They can issue an improvement notice with a deadline, or an emergency prohibition order, and the FSSA may close the premises if it is ignored. A first offence can bring a fine of €465.87 to €4,658.75 and/or up to 2 years in prison (Cap. 449, art. 43).

Hygiene rating

Malta has no public hygiene rating, sticker or score, and nothing has to be displayed. The MTA First, Second and Third Class for restaurants is a tourism grade, not a hygiene rating.