The presence of contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption is regulated in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/915 which repeals Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and its amendments. This regulation sets maximum regulatory levels for lead, cadmium, mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in foodstuffs.

Union legislation applicable to this measure are Regulation (EU) 1379/2013 and Regulation (EC) 178 of 2002.

As indicated in Malta’s interim reporting on the MSFD Programme of Measures, improvement in knowledge on potential local sources of contaminants is being primarily achieved through LIFE16 IPE/MT/000008 whereby data collection processes are being implemented to (i) characterise the quality of wastewater as a primary route through which contaminants reach marine waters noting that urban waste water treatment plants discharge into coastal waters; (ii) attain a better understanding of contaminants which reach waters through diffuse sources of pollution; and (iii) determine the relevance of contaminants of emerging concern for Malta’s water environment. Such data collection processes, coupled to the outcome of monitoring under WFD and MSFD processes, will be providing a holistic overview of the contaminants which are relevant, and which are posing the highest risks, to Malta’s waters. The original measure under MSFD PoMs sought the mapping and analysis of data collected through various processes with respect to selected contaminants, with a view to identify any deficiencies in existing data collection mechanisms and support a coordinated approach across entities. However, the scope of the measure will be modified/widened to cover other contaminants, and its focus will be re-directed to the assessment of risks of contamination of Maltese waters on the basis of the data collected through monitoring processes and LIFE16IPE/MT000008. Such risk assessment will provide a tool for the prioritisation of management/regulatory regimes targeting the most important sources of contamination of Malta’s marine waters. This measure is aligned with Malta’s third River Basin Management Plan, which at the time of reporting is subject to a public consultation process.