Four food outlets shut in Hulhumalé for operating without permits

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), in collaboration with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), conducted a special operation on 26 October to inspect food service establishments in Hulhumalé. During the operation, 26 premises were inspected and four establishments found operating without the required permits were shut down. The inspections were carried out to ensure compliance with the standards set out in the Food Safety Act (Law No. 6/2024) and to identify unlicensed operations. The MFDA stated that the operation focused on verifying whether food businesses are adhering to safety regulations and operating legally. Additionally, the MFDA has announced a series of inspection visits to home-based food production businesses from the 5th to the 20th of next month. Inspectors will visit homes where food is prepared for commercial sale to ensure they meet the required standards. The authority is also conducting a special training programme called "Ufakara" to educate food handlers on food safety practices.