The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has drafted a new regulation that allows fines of up to MVR 100,000 against food inspectors who breach professional and ethical standards.

The proposed regulation outlines the responsibilities, conduct requirements and enforcement powers of food inspectors appointed by MFDA.

Under the regulation, inspectors will be responsible for ensuring that food imports, exports and food-related businesses comply with standards established under the Food Safety Act. They will also be required to investigate public complaints related to food safety and take action against violations.

The regulation grants inspectors authority to detain, destroy or return imported food products if MFDA determines that the items are prohibited or require further analysis. Inspectors will also be issued official identification documents.

Food inspectors will be required to meet minimum qualifications, including GCE A-Level, basic food safety training or an equivalent higher qualification, as well as proficiency in Dhivehi and English. Inspectors with more than 10 years of service at MFDA will be exempt from these requirements.

The regulation also requires inspectors to declare and withdraw from inspections involving conflicts of interest, including cases involving employment, ownership, shareholding or close family connections.

Inspectors will be prohibited from providing false information, seeking financial benefits, approving licences for non-compliant establishments without inspections, or tampering with evidence collected during inspections.

With the new regulation, MFDA will have the authority to impose fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 100,000, depending on the severity of the offence.

The move comes as the Government continues efforts to strengthen food safety regulations and improve technical capacity for monitoring and testing food products nationwide.