Two MFDA officers charged for clearing food imports without valid health certificates

Two field officers of the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) have been charged with issuing clearances for food shipments without the required health certificates.  

The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed Wednesday that charges were filed against:  

• Ahmed Hashim (Dhaftharu 9244)  

• Ahmed Zahir (Arafat, Thinadhoo City)  

Both men face three counts of misconduct in the performance of official duty. If convicted, each could serve one year, two months and 12 days in prison, equivalent to four months and 24 days per charge.  

The chargesheet has been submitted to the Criminal Court. While the two officers requested a plea bargain, prosecutors rejected the request, citing public interest and the seriousness of the offense, which directly impacts food safety and security in the Maldives.  

The case underscores growing scrutiny of regulatory oversight in food imports, with authorities emphasizing that violations of health certification requirements pose risks to public health.