Over 8,000 Food Supplements Listed as MFDA Warns Against Unregistered Products

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has revealed that more than 8,000 food supplements are currently listed in the country, sparking concerns over the high volume of consumption and the prevalence of unregistered products. Speaking on PSM News' "Raajje Miadhu" programme, Food Quality Assurance Coordinator Aiminath Shabana Ali urged consumers to evaluate whether supplements are genuinely necessary before use. She highlighted a growing trend of unapproved supplements being sold through social media and heavily promoted online under various brand names, some of which also find their way into local retail shops. To safeguard public health, the MFDA requires all supplements to undergo a rigorous assessment to ensure they meet national standards before they can be imported or advertised. The authority employs a dual regulatory system of registration and listing, which allows the MFDA to monitor the specific types and quantities of supplements entering the Maldivian market. Shabana noted that the high number of listed products suggests a significant consumption rate among Maldivians. She warned the public to be vigilant about product labels, particularly health warnings and notices regarding reproductive harm. Clear and accurate labelling, including a full list of ingredients, remains a mandatory requirement for all approved products. While the MFDA acknowledges initial challenges in identifying products already on the market when regulation first began, ongoing efforts are now more effectively blocking non-compliant supplements from entering the country. Businesses are now facing a strict deadline to align with new labelling regulations gazetted in June. Following a six-month transition period, the MFDA will initiate legal action against businesses selling products that fail to meet these requirements starting from the end of December.