Maldives to Establish Modern National Food Safety Laboratory in Hulhumalé

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) is establishing a state-of-the-art National Food Safety Laboratory in Hulhumalé to provide the country with a dedicated facility for the rapid and detailed testing of imported food items. Speaking on the PSM News programme Raajje Miadhu, Deputy Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Ismail Zahir confirmed that the feasibility report for the facility is complete and architectural drawings are currently underway. The government expects to announce the final project details during the last quarter of this year, with financing provided through a donor-funded programme. The laboratory will address a critical gap in the nation's food-safety framework by housing advanced equipment capable of detecting heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other chemical contaminants. These specialized testing units have already been installed, following a commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in his presidential address earlier this year. The MFDA is currently procuring the necessary chemicals and consumables to make the units operational. Khaalisa Mohamed, the MFDA Food Safety Assurance Coordinator, emphasized that the facility will streamline the authority's regulatory duties. By conducting high-precision analyses domestically rather than relying on external international laboratories, the MFDA will significantly speed up the clearance process for food imports. Operating under the Maldives Food Safety Act, the laboratory will be tasked with the scientific analysis of hazardous bacteria and chemical contaminants. To ensure global credibility, the facility will adhere to international "Good Laboratory Practice" (GLP) standards and be staffed by trained professionals. The MFDA stated that its current focus is on building national technical capacity and finalizing the regulatory frameworks required to meet both domestic and international safety benchmarks. This development positions the Maldives as a regional leader in food safety, boasting one of the most comprehensive sets of analytical instruments in the area.