The ongoing joint operation by the Male' City Council and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) to ensure hygiene standards in food service establishments within the Male' city area, which commenced on Sunday, may face an extension due to the extensive number of premises requiring inspection.
Initially slated to conclude on Thursday, the MFDA had announced the operation would run until that date. However, the Male' City Council has since indicated that the deadline could be prolonged, citing the significant volume of establishments that need to be inspected across the Male' area.
This comprehensive operation aims to address concerns regarding inadequate hygiene standards in some city food service establishments. As a core component of this initiative, illegal and unhygienic food service establishments will be issued notices and subsequently closed down.
Map of Male' city, divided into six sectors, prepared through joint efforts of Male' City Council and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) to inspect all eateries in the city. (Photo/Male' City Council)
The city council has confirmed that the inspection will encompass all types of eateries, including cafes, restaurants, and takeaway stops. Furthermore, the council will scrutinize both establishments previously approved by the MFDA and those operating without the necessary legal permissions to provide food services.
The operation is being conducted across six designated areas, with joint teams from the MFDA and the Male' City Council dispatched to each neighbourhood.
The Food Safety Act, which came into force on August 23 of the previous year, mandates that all food service establishments and entities obtain a license to serve food. Under this act, the MFDA is empowered to take immediate action, including the shutdown of establishments operating without the requisite license. Additionally, individuals found trading in food without proper registration or a license may face substantial fines, ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 500,000, depending on the severity of the offense.