Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo visited the Malta Public Abattoir as the project to install a vertical pig depilation system entered its final phase. This state-of-the-art system will lead to a significant leap forward in hygiene, efficiency and product quality.
Unlike traditional methods, the vertical system ensures greater cleanliness, minimizes contamination and aligns with the highest European standards for food safety.
Minister Refalo said, “This project not only represents a technological advance but also demonstrates our vision as a government to strengthen the local food sector, support producers and at the same time improve public health. This initiative confirms our commitment to continue investing in the Public Slaughterhouse as a strategic centre for the development of local products. We are creating a modern infrastructure that will not only support farmers and producers, but will also offer higher quality to Maltese and Gozitan consumers.”
This system will also lead to the introduction of a wider range of premium products such as traditional salami, prosciutto, lardo and other value-added pork products. This project will therefore support artisanal producers, encourage culinary innovation and strengthen Malta’s agri-food identity.
Director General of the Public Abattoir Stefan Cachia explained that the project builds on ongoing investments made in recent years, including efficient water heating systems, advanced traceability and the reprocessing of traditional products such as tripe, rump and rind. “The Public Abattoir is committed to being efficient and innovative in its work, while serving the needs of the community and at the same time setting new standards for quality and sustainability,” added Cachia.
