The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has been given new powers under the Food Safety Act and measures will be taken starting tomorrow, Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel said today.
At a press conference, Khaleel said that under the previous law, the MFDA could only check registered establishments. However, under the new law, MFDA gets the power to check unregistered premises.
"From tomorrow, from the moment this law comes into force, the MFDA will have the power to inspect and close the premises and to allow reopening once the recommendations are implemented," he said.
"We will not hesitate to ensure the safety. To ensure food safety, we will inform relevant authorities if the producer is a foreigner who needs to be deported," he added.
Under the new law, MFDA has the power to close down any place that sells goods in an unsafe manner.
"Once the law is implemented, we will know what needs to be improved. At that point, we will hopefully amend the law and make changes by submitting it to Parliament," Khaleel said.
Until now, outlets that prepare food were monitored by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) under the Public Health Act. HPA shuts down outlets for violating the Public Health Act.
Khaleel said the MFDA would now take measures under the Food Safety Act. Special rules will be made for this purpose and the standards will be determined, he said.
Noting that the health and safety of the people will not be compromised, he said the law allows for criminal charges and fines.
Fines between MVR 10,000 and MVR 50,000 can be imposed based on the type of offence and the maximum fine will be MVR 1 million.
