Public health superintendent Charmaine Gauci announced that authorities found no evidence supporting claims that a Gozitan butcher used dog and cat meat to produce Maltese sausage.
Gauci’s statement, backed by the Animal Welfare Ministry, confirmed a report by Times of Malta. The rumours, which went viral, caused widespread panic and disgust. There were also unsubstantiated claims that people fell ill after consuming the butcher’s sausages.
Despite media reports and an NGO’s assertion on social media that the claims were true, health authorities found no evidence during their investigations.
Gauci reiterated on an RTK103 radio show that any credible information would prompt an investigation. Although the butcher shop was no longer operating, health authorities conducted multiple inspections at different times.
They also probed allegations that the sausages were being made elsewhere. Gauci explained that they visited several locations connected to the butcher but found no evidence of Maltese sausage production. Additionally, there were no hospital reports of food poisoning related to the case.
The agriculture ministry, in a separate statement, confirmed the lack of evidence but noted that investigations are ongoing. The ministry emphasised that this thorough approach is standard in cases involving food safety or animal abuse. Regular inspections by the veterinary health directorate and health authorities are conducted to ensure food safety.
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