Public health authorities in Malta are investigating four cases of hepatitis A associated with a food establishment.
People who ate at Deli and Co in Ħal Qormi, between June 17 and 25, are advised to be on the lookout for symptoms of hepatitis A until Aug. 14, based on the incubation period of the virus.
Those who consumed food or beverages from the establishment during this period and developed symptoms should seek medical attention and contact the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit within the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate.
Investigations and contact tracing are ongoing and public health measures are being taken at the deli which offers salads, wraps, and cakes.
Company response
Deli and Co said the health, safety and wellbeing of customers and employees was its highest priority.
“We take our food safety and hygiene obligations extremely seriously and have consistently operated in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. No evidence has been presented establishing a direct link between the reported hepatitis A cases and our establishment.”
A member of staff was diagnosed with hepatitis A on July 4. This person had previously been abroad and last worked at the outlet on June 25.
According to the company, upon receiving the diagnosis, the employee did not return to work until health authorities gave the all-clear. Another employee tested negative but still observed the recommended incubation period in line with official advice.
“While we fully appreciate the importance of investigating any potential public health concern, we respectfully submit that any allegation of causation should be supported by objective evidence and verified findings rather than assumptions. Unsubstantiated allegations risk creating unnecessary public concern and may unfairly prejudice businesses and individuals,” said a company statement.
“We are also surprised and disappointed that, although this matter dates back to the beginning of July 2026, the public notice is only being issued now, more than a month after the relevant events occurred. Deli and Co remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene and to working constructively with the relevant authorities in the interests of public health and consumer confidence.”
About hepatitis A infections
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable, liver infection caused by the hepatitis A Virus (HAV). People can become infected by contaminated food, sick food handlers and person-to-person contact.
Not everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms develop, they usually appear two to seven weeks, at an average of 28-30 days, after infection. Symptoms usually last less than two months, although some people can be ill for as long as six months.
If symptoms develop, they can include yellow skin or eyes, not wanting to eat, upset stomach, throwing up, stomach pain, fever, dark urine or light-colored stools, diarrhea, joint pain, or feeling tired.
Even if no symptoms are present people can still spread the infection. In addition, a person can transmit hepatitis A to others up to two weeks before symptoms appear.