Authorities have ordered the closure of 25 food outlets in Malé area after inspections found they did not meet required hygiene standards.

The operation, launched last Sunday, is being carried out jointly by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), Malé City Council and Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The closures include restaurants, hotels, cafés, takeaways and short-eats vendors, some of which were found to be operating without licences.

According to the FDA, outlets that failed to comply with food safety requirements were shut down and notices were posted on their premises. For unregistered establishments, the notices also stated that the safety of food sold could not be guaranteed.

Under existing regulations, all food service providers are required to register with the FDA. Inspections are ongoing, with agencies continuing to monitor facilities and close those that fail to meet hygiene standards.