The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) and the Male' City Council have closed 70 food outlets under their joint operation to check eateries for hygiene.
The operation inspected 1,010 food service establishments in Male', Hulhumale', Villimale' and Gulhifalhu, the MFDA said.
The operation, which began on September 21 and continued until Wednesday, included establishments registered with the agency, those operating without renewing their permits after their expiry date and those not registered, the MFDA said.
The MFDA said 70 of these establishments were closed down during the period.
Of these, 27 have been re-authorized for submitting forms for renewal and registration, MFDA said.