The Food Safety & Security Authority Strengthens Coordination with Event Organisers

On 6th and the 12th of May 2026 the Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) held a targeted information and coordination meeting with Malta’s leading event organisers, marking a more proactive and structured approach ahead of the 2026 event season.

Organised by the Trade and Catering Establishments Unit within the Policy and Licensing Division, the session brought together stakeholders involved in large-scale events, festivals, and temporary food operations. The aim was to strengthen collaboration and ensure high standards of food safety compliance throughout the busy summer period.

T he initiative forms part of the Food Safety and Security Authority’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health through improved planning, early communication, and enhanced regulatory coordination with event organisers and food business operators.

During the session, the Authority outlined the main food safety and operational requirements applicable to temporary food stalls and event operations.

Organisers were informed that the first step in the process is to formally notify the Authority by email and provide detailed information relating to the responsible person and the event itself. This includes the organiser’s identification and contact details, event location, type of event, dates and operating times, police contact details, and the anticipated number of food, beverage, and bar stalls.

The Authority emphasised that early engagement with the Food Safety and Security Authority is essential for smooth event planning and approvals. Organisers must begin by formally notifying the Authority via email, providing key details such as organiser identification, event location, dates, operating times, police contact details, and the expected number of stalls.

Submitting the official Event Declaration Form in full and within established timeframes is critical, as incomplete submissions may result in delays.

The briefing also focused extensively on the mandatory documents required for event assessment. Organisers must provide detailed site plans, sanitary and service layouts, and vendor identification and food handling certifications. A complete food vendor list in Excel format must also be submitted at least 20 working days before the event.

A key operational requirement discussed during the meeting was the submission of a complete food vendor list in Excel format at least twenty working days before the event. This list must include detailed information for each stall operator, including the stall name, operator identification details, contact information, and the type of food intended to be sold.

In relation to food stalls, the Authority explained that all food stalls handling open food must be equipped with appropriate hygiene facilities, including handwashing stations, potable water, and proper wastewater disposal systems. Even lower-risk operations selling products such as popcorn, candy floss, nougat, or beverages only must adhere to minimum hygiene and infrastructure standards.

Although these operations present a comparatively lower food safety risk, organisers were reminded that minimum hygiene and infrastructure standards still apply, including access to washing facilities and the provision of cleanable flooring surfaces.

The Authority further highlighted the importance of adequate infrastructure for all temporary food stalls. Requirements relating to protective canopies, lighting, electricity supply, refrigeration, freezers, temperature-controlled display units, waste management, and food handler registration were extensively discussed.

Organisers were reminded that all staff handling food must hold a valid Food Safety and Security Authority food handling card available for inspection during the event. Reference was also made to the legal obligations arising under Subsidiary Legislation 449.28, particularly regarding the registration of temporary food premises operating for three or more days within a three-week period. The Authority explained the applicable registration procedures and the importance of accurate and timely submissions.

Throughout the meeting, the Authority reinforced the importance of proactive planning, timely submissions, and continuous communication to ensure efficient inspections, smoother operations, and the protection of public health. This initiative reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to strengthening food safety standards while supporting Malta’s growing events and catering sector.

Following the session, the Authority also provided organisers with the relevant documentation, forms, and guidance discussed during the meeting to ensure that all necessary information is readily available at their end for reference and use throughout the event planning process. The initiative was positively received by attendees and reflects the Authority’s continued efforts to strengthen preventive food safety controls and foster a collaborative approach with stakeholders involved in Malta’s growing events sector.

For further information, the public may contact the Food Safety and Security Authority on telephone numbers +356 26025018 / 20 or by email at info.fssa@gov.mt