Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has stated that ensuring food safety is a national responsibility that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Faafu Nilandhoo to mark World Food Safety Day, Minister Geela stressed that food safety extends beyond public health concerns and must be treated as a national priority.

The Minister noted that the Maldives remains heavily dependent on imported food products, making the safe distribution and monitoring of food across the country a significant challenge. She emphasised that all food consumed by the public must meet established safety and quality standards.

Minister Geela said the Government is prioritising the strengthening of the country's food safety framework through legislative reforms, enhanced laboratory capabilities and improved systems for monitoring food safety risks.

She highlighted the enactment of the Food Safety Act on 23 May 2024 as a major step forward, noting that the legislation provides a strong foundation for aligning the Maldives' food safety system with international standards.

The Minister further stated that efforts are underway to strengthen coordination among the health, fisheries and agriculture sectors, with a focus on improving food production practices and increasing public awareness of food safety issues.

Minister Geela said building a culture of food safety should begin at the household level and extend throughout society. She added that the Government's long-term vision is to utilise modern digital technologies to strengthen food safety monitoring, improve response mechanisms and enhance overall management of the sector.

In addition, the Minister noted that ongoing initiatives include expanding laboratory networks, strengthening rapid response measures and enhancing cooperation between Government agencies and private sector stakeholders.