Authorities in the Greater Malé Region have ordered the closure of 45 food preparation establishments found to be operating in violation of national safety standards. The enforcement action follows a large-scale inspection campaign that reviewed 400 businesses over a four-day period, signalling a marked intensification of oversight under the Maldives’ newly enacted Food Safety Act.
The inspections, led jointly by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), the Malé City Council, and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), are being conducted across the capital and its surrounding urban zones, including Hulhumalé, Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. Officials described the operation, which began on 21 September and is scheduled to conclude on 30 September, as a significantly more rigorous iteration of the annual review process, shaped by the expanded mandates of the new legislation.
Inspectors are assessing a broad spectrum of food service providers, including teashops, cafés, restaurants, and takeaway outlets. The campaign also seeks to identify and shut down businesses operating without the requisite MFDA permits, a priority under the tightened regulatory framework.
The MFDA reaffirmed its commitment to full implementation of the Food Safety Act. The law grants authorities enhanced powers to impose penalties on non-compliant businesses, with fines ranging from USD 648 to USD 64,830, calibrated according to the severity of the infraction. Establishments found to be operating without a valid licence are subject to immediate closure, and the identities of violating businesses will be publicly disclosed.
Under the new legislation, all entities engaged in the sale of food must register formally and obtain a specialised operating licence. Regulations governing the importation, labelling, production, and retail of food products have also been substantially strengthened, reinforcing oversight across the supply chain.
To ensure methodical execution, Malé has been divided into six neighbourhoods, each assigned a joint inspection team comprising personnel from the MFDA and the Malé City Council. Once inspections in the capital are complete, teams are expected to proceed to Vilimalé to continue the enforcement campaign.