First Lady Sajidha Mohamed on Monday called on Parliament to expedite the passage of the food security bill.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Islamic Ministry’s auditorium to launch a special logo for products packed by home-based food producers, Sajidha emphasized the importance of passing the food security bill that was submitted to the People’s Majlis in 2021.
“The food security bill has been submitted to Majlis. Either this Majlis or the Majlis to come, must allow this bill to become law and come into force soon in order to further facilitate such things for us,” said Saijidha, who was formerly a senior scientific officer at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA).
First Lady Sajidha and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed. -- Photo: President's Office
The bill includes guidelines for determining the safety standards of imported and exported food.
When the bill becomes law, the legal framework needed for determining rules and standards for ensuring the safety and health of food items produced, stored and sold in the country will be established.
Items to be prohibited by the law from import and production
- Contaminated food items or adulterants used for contamination
- Falsely labeled food items
- Food items prohibited from sale under the law
- Food items harmful to health
First Lady Sajidha. -- Photo: President's Office
The bill prescribes fines ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 300,000 based on the severity of the offense.
The bill also specifies guidelines for the inspection of food service providers and for taking action against outlets that fail to meet safety and cleanliness standards.
The introduction of a logo for home-based cooks would help further ensure food security, Sajidha said, appealing for proper use of the logo.
