MFDA shuts down Parliament food supplier

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has ordered to shut down the café that supplied breakfast to the Parliament yesterday, Maarukeytu Hotaa, due to poor food safety standards.

The café is to remain closed until the hygiene standards are improved.

Senior Laboratory Technologist of MFDA Ibrahim Shafiu said that yesterday's incident, during which a Member of Parliament and some employees of the Parliament had to be taken to the hospital following food poisoning, was due to high levels of histamine found in the 'kulhi mas' – a fish dish - that was served for breakfast.

Histamine is a compound released by bacteria in spoiled food, particularly fish.

The café in question is operated by Mohamed Thaufeeg (South Thaufeeg).

“The café’s food freezing system is good, it's acceptable. But they have to check if the fish is stored in the right temperature before they purchase it. They also have to avoid excessive time lapses between buying fish and cooking it. We have advised them to correct these issues,” Shafiu said.

Meanwhile, a sign has been put up the café's door, that it is closed for renovation.

It was not earlier known that Maarukeytu Hotaa, a café popular among fishermen and travellers, was the supplier of food to the Parliament.

South Thaufeeg said at last night's General Committee meeting that food is supplied to the Parliament by South Beach.