The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has assessed the cleanliness of about 1,000 food outlets in the capital Male' region.
The HPA-led effort was carried out jointly with the Male' city council and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), which oversees Thilafushi and Hulhumale'.
The HPA said 993 places were inspected for compliance with cleanliness standards during 11 days between February 19 and March 2.
The establishments included 579 outlets in Male', 308 outlets in Hulhumale', 19 outlets in Vilimale' and 43 outlets at the Hulhule airport as well as nine outlets in Thilafushi, two outlets in Gulhifalhu and 12 outlets at the Crossroads resort.
These included 429 cafes, 207 restaurants, 179 takeaway service providers, 79 eateries, 23 bakeries, two markets, 33 street cart vendors, 10 kitchens and six canteens.
The HPA said it will work with all relevant agencies to take corrective measures based on observations made during the inspections. Action will also be taken against violations in line with health and safety regulations, the agency said.
In its statement with the details about the inspections, the HPA did not reveal the number of outlets found to be in violation of cleanliness standards.
