The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), in collaboration with the Malé City Council and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), has launched a comprehensive joint operation to inspect food and beverage establishments across the greater Malé region.
Running from the 21 to 30 September, the initiative aims to vigorously enforce the new Food Safety Act and bolster public health standards.
While annual inspections are standard practice, the MFDA said that this year's operation is significantly strengthened by the provisions of the recently enacted Food Safety Act. This crucial legislation tightens regulations across various aspects of the food industry, from import and labeling to production and sales.
The wide-ranging inspection targets a diverse array of food service providers, including eateries, cafes, restaurants, takeaway establishments, and other MFDA-approved food service providers. Crucially, the operation will also specifically target establishments operating illegally without obtaining the necessary MFDA approval.
Under the enhanced legal framework, the MFDA confirmed it would enforce all provisions of the law. This includes imposing substantial fines on illegal establishments, mandating the closure of unauthorised operations, and publicising information regarding non-compliant businesses – a new measure designed to increase transparency and accountability.
The ten-day inspection initiative will cover Malé, Vilimalé, Thilafushi, and Hulhumalé. The operation is structured into six distinct teams, each comprising representatives from the MFDA and the Malé City Council, ensuring thorough coverage of the capital along with its extended urban areas.
The stringent new Food Safety Act requires all food establishments to register and obtain a special license. Penalties for negligence under the Act are severe, ranging from a minimum fine of USD 648 to a maximum of USD 64,850 reflecting the government's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of food safety for its citizens.