Act n. XV of 2025 – Food Safety and Security Authority Act, 2025.

This Act establishes the Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) in Malta, a corporate body with a distinct legal personality. The primary purpose of the FSSA is to centralize and streamline all matters related to food by ensuring and promoting food safety, security of supply, and the sustainability of food systems in Malta.
The key provisions of the Act concern: 1. The establishment and Governance. The FSSA is governed by a Board of Governors appointed by the Minister responsible for food, comprising both public employees and independent experts. The Board is supported by a Chief Executive Officer responsible for the Authority's executive management. 2. The FSSA's Comprehensive Functions which include the implementation of EU and national food policies; the formulation and enforcement of a national food policy focused on safety, security, and sustainability; the licensing of food operators and businesses; the conduction of inspections, audits, and risk assessments; the management of food incidents, recalls, and public alerts; the advice to the Minister on food-related matters. 3. The Data Processing: the Authority is empowered to collect and process data, including personal data, to fulfil its functions, in full compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 4. The Financial Framework: The Act outlines the Authority's financial operations, including funding from government appropriations and self-generated revenue from fees, its budgeting process, and audit requirements. The Staffing: it provides for the transfer and detailing of public officers to the Authority and the establishment of its own staff, all bound by public service ethics.
The Act amends numerous existing laws (e.g., the Food Safety Act, Pesticides Control Act, Veterinary Services Act) to transfer relevant competencies and replace references to previous authorities with the new FSSA, effectively centralizing food control under one agency. The Minister is granted broad powers to make regulations to further implement the Act's provisions.
In essence, this legislation creates a single, powerful, independent authority to oversee the entire food chain in Malta, from primary production to consumption, replacing a previously fragmented system and enhancing the country's ability to manage food-related risks and ensure a secure, safe, and sustainable food supply.