Comparative analysis of environmental health officers in the European Union with a focus on the standard operating procedures of Malta’s Environmental Health Directorate

Abstract

This master's dissertation addresses two key research questions: How do the roles, responsibilities, and practices of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) vary across different member states in the European Union? To what extent are the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within the Maltese Environmental Health Directorate aligned with its vision and mission? By reviewing pertinent literature, the study sought to understand the regulatory framework and legal responsibilities outlined by the European Union, aiming to uncover common practices undertaken by environmental health officers (EHOs) across these member states. Understanding the diverse roles and practices of EHOs was essential in contextualising the operational challenges faced by the Maltese Environmental Health Directorate and evaluating the alignment of its SOPs with its vision and mission. It specifically focused on the SOPs for food inspections and bathing water sampling employed by the Maltese Environmental Health Directorate. Within the framework of evidence-based management, the research evaluated these SOPs on ensuring food safety and safeguarding bathing water quality. By analysing current operational protocols, the study identified gaps and provided evidence-based recommendations to enhance the Directorate’s capacity to address evolving challenges. Methodologically, this study employed a triangulated approach, combining descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. A questionnaire distributed across EU member states enabled comparative analysis, identifying prevalent practices. The findings aimed to provide evidence-based knowledge to EHOs to better safeguard public health, to improve food inspections, and to maintain bathing water quality. The questionnaire revealed that while core responsibilities like food safety and water quality monitoring are consistent across the EU, areas such as pollution control and occupational health vary. Malta’s centralised approach offers coordination advantages but highlights the need for clearer responsibilities and inter-agency collaboration. Although EHO roles vary across the EU, an emerging shared commitment to One Health principles emphasises collaboration across sectors. In the second part of the study, interviews with Executive EHOs and analysis of SOPs related to food inspection and seawater sampling were conducted. The research identified inconsistencies in Malta's SOP implementation, suggesting targeted improvements in training, equipment management, and safety measures. The research passed ethical approval and serves as a valuable resource for guiding policy decisions and future research.