A week of collaboration on consumer protection, food safety and Mediterranean food systems
As part of the EXCEL4MED capacity-building activities, our partner EKPIZO joined the Malta Food Agency for a week-long staff exchange in Malta, held from 15 to 19 April 2026.
The exchange brought together Amalia Altinou, Eleni Alevritou, Anna Michalopoulou and Argyro Stavroulaki from EKPIZO, together with Josephine C. Schembri and Emma Cutajar from the Malta Food Agency, to analyse how consumer protection, food safety and local food systems are addressed in different Mediterranean contexts.
Through a diverse programme of visits, meetings and discussions, our partners had the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, exchange good practices and strengthen cooperation between organisations working towards more sustainable and transparent food systems.
Exploring Malta’s food systems from production to consumers
Hosted by the Malta Food Agency, the programme included visits to several organisations and locations connected with food governance, markets and consumer awareness.
One of the highlights of the exchange was the visit to the Pitkalija fruit and vegetable market, where EKPIZO representatives learnt more about how the market operates, including the inspections carried out to ensure compliance with hygiene requirements, and the practices supporting food tracking and monitoring.
EXCEL4MED partners also visited The Food Coop, gaining further insights into initiatives supporting local producers, consumer access to local products and new models for connecting farmers and consumers.
During the visit, discussions with the Malta Food Agency also focused on the importance of promoting local food, preserving Mediterranean food identity and encouraging healthier and more sustainable consumption patterns.
Sharing experiences on consumer rights and food safety
The staff exchange also created opportunities for dialogue with several key stakeholders involved in consumer protection and food safety.
During the meeting with the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA), participants exchanged experiences on consumer rights advocacy, complaint management, enforcement approaches and awareness-raising activities. The similarities and challenges faced in Greece and Malta regarding the implementation of consumer protection legislation were also addressed.
A further exchange took place with the Association for Consumer Rights (ACR Malta), where our partners discussed current challenges affecting consumers, including food safety and traceability issues, access to reliable information about product origins, and wider consumer protection concerns.
The conversations highlighted common difficulties faced by consumers across Mediterranean countries, and the importance of collaboration between organisations working to defend consumer interests.
Connecting with the Maltese agri-food community
Our partners also participated in Malta AgriFair 2026, a meeting point for agriculture, fisheries, food production and innovation in Malta.
During the event, participants visited the EXCEL4MED stand, where visitors —including young students— had the opportunity to learn more about our project through interactive activities.
EKPIZO also met representatives from the Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA), discussing the Authority’s role, vision and responsibilities following its establishment.
The programme concluded with a visit to the Hellenic Society of Malta, where our partners learnt more about the organisation’s activities and its role in supporting the Greek community in Malta.
The discussion also touched on topics such as access to fresh food products, local production challenges, consumer choices and the importance of supporting local and European food systems.
