Food outlets to be inspected: Closures ahead for unregistered outlets

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) announced on Sunday a campaign to ensure hygiene standards in food service establishments within the Male’ city area.

In a statement released on Sunday, the MFDA stated that a special inspection will be conducted in Male’ from September 21 to 30. This initiative aims to encourage food service establishments to uphold hygiene standards and gather information from service providers currently unregistered with the authority.

The inspection is a collaborative effort involving the MFDA, the Male' City Council, and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

The MFDA highlighted that food service establishments are mandated to register with the authority under the Food Safety Act. Consequently, unregistered establishments will be closed down, and their information will be made public during the inspection.

Further information regarding the inspection can be obtained by contacting the authority at 3014361 and 7603204.

Concerns have been raised by the public regarding inadequate hygiene standards in some city food service establishments.

The Food Safety Act came into force on August 23 last year.

Under this act, food service establishments and entities are required to obtain a license to serve food. The MFDA is authorized to take immediate action, including shutting down establishments operating without a license.

Additionally, those found trading in food without proper registration or a license may face fines ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 500,000, depending on the severity of the offense.