Former food inspector accused of €280,000 fraud over fake safety certificates for Malta hotels
A 77-year-old former food safety official appeared in court on Friday, 9 October, facing charges that he defrauded three hotels across Malta and Gozo by issuing falsified food safety certificates over an 11-year period. Joseph Grixti, who worked part-time as a consultant in the food safety sector, allegedly collected samples from establishments for testing but never sent them to a laboratory, yet still issued certificates claiming the samples met required standards.
The charges
Grixti faces accusations of defrauding the Qawra Palace Hotel, the Paradise Bay Hotel, and the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in what the prosecution describes as a scheme that ran from 2015 until 2026. The alleged fraud totals approximately €280,000, with investigators stating that more than €5,000 was involved at each hotel, and one report indicating the sum exceeded €20,000.
The former inspector pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements, falsifying documents, and possessing items connected to fraud.
How certification should work
Under European Union law, food safety certification follows a rigorous system designed to protect consumers from contamination. All food businesses must adhere to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, a systematic approach that identifies and controls hazards throughout the food supply chain.
Accredited laboratories are central to this framework, conducting tests for pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants that can cause illness. Under EU regulations, results from these tests must verify compliance before a certificate is issued.
The prosecution alleges that no laboratory testing took place for the samples Grixti collected, meaning the certificates he issued had no scientific basis to confirm the food was safe.
What happens next
The court granted Grixti bail under several conditions. He must sign the bail book regularly, observe a curfew, and refrain from approaching any of the three hotels or the laboratory involved in the case. His wife and son each provided personal guarantees of €10,000.
Inspectors Keith Xerri and Warren Galea are prosecuting the case. Lawyer Stefano Filletti is appearing for the defence. The case continues.
