Updated with statement by Deli and Co
Public health authorities are investigating a cluster of four Hepatitis A cases associated with a food establishment in Ħal Qormi.
Investigations and contact tracing are currently under way, with the necessary public health measures being implemented.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin or eyes.
People diagnosed with Hepatitis A are generally provided with supportive care aimed at relieving symptoms, maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition, and monitoring their condition.
Advice for customers
Members of the public who consumed food from Deli & Co in Ħal Qormi between 17 and 25 June 2026 are being advised to remain alert for symptoms of Hepatitis A until 14 August 2026, taking into account the incubation period of the infection.
Anyone who ate at the establishment during this period and develops symptoms associated with Hepatitis A is advised to contact the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit within the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate on 2326 6161, 2326 6104 or 2326 6119, between 8am and 3.30pm.
Symptoms usually appear around four weeks after infection, although the incubation period can range from approximately 15 to 50 days.
People who may have been exposed and subsequently develop symptoms are advised to seek medical advice and inform their healthcare professional about the possible exposure. For urgent medical advice, the telemedicine service can be contacted on 2123 1231.
Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route, including through food or water contaminated with the virus or through close contact with an infected person.
Good hand hygiene remains an important preventive measure, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.
Public health authorities said they are continuing to monitor the situation and investigate the identified cases.
Deli & Co responds to Hepatitis A notice
Deli & Co has responded to the public health notice concerning Hepatitis A cases allegedly linked to its Ħal Qormi establishment, stressing that, to its knowledge, no evidence has been presented establishing a direct link between the cases and the business.
The establishment confirmed that one member of staff was diagnosed with Hepatitis A on 4 July 2026. According to Deli & Co, the employee had been abroad before the diagnosis and his last day at the premises was 25 June. He did not return to work following the diagnosis and remained absent until health authorities confirmed that he was fit to resume his duties.
Deli & Co said that all appropriate measures were implemented immediately in accordance with public health guidance. It added that another employee, despite testing negative, observed the recommended incubation period on the advice of the health authorities.
The company said it takes food safety and hygiene obligations seriously and has maintained comprehensive food safety, sanitation and hygiene procedures as part of its daily operations.
While welcoming the investigation into any potential public health concern, Deli & Co said any alleged connection between the reported cases and its establishment should be based on objective evidence and verified findings rather than assumptions.
The company also expressed concern that, although the matter dates back to early July, the public notice was only issued more than a month later.
Deli & Co said it remains committed to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene and to cooperating with the relevant authorities in the interests of public health and consumer confidence.
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