An outbreak of lead poisoning of bread in Malta : interesting association with British naval history

Abstract

This is an account of a most unusual outbreak of lead poisoning that occurred in Malta at the turn of the century. The detailed story has not been described before. The outbreak is of great interest, also, because of its indirect relationship to highlights of British naval history. The outbreak was caused by the widespread contamination of Maltese bread by lead salts during the period 1903 and 1904. One notes that only one year previously, favourable mention had been made of Maltese bread in the official report of the laboratory of the Maltese Public Health Department. The Maltese Public Health Ordinance of 1900 had required that special attention should be given to the baking and sale of bread. Samples of bread taken from various bakeries and analysed by the Public Health authorities had 'invariably proved that the general public is supplied with wholesome bread made of good wheat flour well worked and well baked' (Zammit, 1902).