President Muizzu Pledges Stronger Laws and Import Controls to Ensure Food Safety

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a commitment to overhaul the Maldives' food safety framework to guarantee that all food and beverages consumed across the nation are safe, healthy, and trustworthy. Marking World Food Safety Day on June 7, the President emphasized that eliminating foodborne illnesses is a critical component of protecting public health and achieving sustainable development milestones. To realize this vision, the administration is prioritizing the enactment of a comprehensive food safety law, the implementation of stricter import protocols, and the introduction of systematic testing. President Muizzu highlighted that most foodborne illnesses are preventable through data-driven action and collective commitment across all sectors of society. The President specifically cited new regulations under the Food Safety Act and strengthened border controls as key pillars of this strategy. Addressing the global context, the President expressed solidarity with populations in Gaza and other conflict zones where contaminated water and unsafe food have become critical crises. He urged the international community to cooperate and adhere to global standards to prevent such tragedies and build a safer future for all. The urgency of these measures is underscored by data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which themed this year's event “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere.” Globally, contaminated food affects approximately 800 million people annually, leading to an estimated 1.52 million deaths. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also joined the call for vigilance, describing food safety as a shared responsibility. She stressed that the burden of safety does not lie solely with producers and distributors, but also with consumers. The First Lady urged citizens to make informed choices and remain vigilant about how food is produced, prepared, and stored. According to the First Lady, safeguarding public health requires a collaborative effort. By supporting initiatives that maintain high safety standards and remaining mindful of food quality, the Maldives can build a healthier future for its citizens.