The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), in partnership with Malé City Council and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), has begun a large-scale inspection of food and beverage establishments across the greater Malé region. The ten-day operation, running from 21 to 30 September, is part of the government’s efforts to enforce the newly enacted Food Safety Act and raise public health standards.
According to the MFDA, while annual inspections are carried out regularly, this year’s exercise is more stringent due to the strengthened provisions of the Food Safety Act. The law introduces tighter regulations on all aspects of the food industry, covering importation, labelling, production, and sales.
The inspections will target a wide range of providers, including restaurants, cafés, takeaways, and other approved food outlets. Particular focus will also be placed on identifying and shutting down establishments operating without MFDA authorisation.
Under the new framework, the MFDA confirmed it will take firm action against violations. This includes imposing fines, mandating closures of unlicensed outlets, and publishing the names of businesses that fail to comply with safety requirements. The authority said the decision to publicise non-compliant establishments is aimed at improving transparency and accountability within the industry.
The operation will be conducted in Malé, Vilimalé, Thilafushi, and Hulhumalé, with six dedicated teams comprising officials from both the MFDA and Malé City Council.
The Food Safety Act, which came into effect earlier this year, requires all food establishments to register and obtain a licence to operate. Penalties for non-compliance range from MVR 10,000 to MVR 100,000, reflecting the government’s push to enforce higher safety standards across the food sector.
