The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has gazetted a new regulation on food packaging and labelling, introducing stricter requirements and penalties of up to MVR 1 million for violations.

The new Regulation on Food Packaging and Labelling applies to food products produced, imported and exported in the Maldives. With its introduction, the previously enforced National Standard for Labeling Pre-packaged Food has been repealed.

Under the regulation, the sale of food products that are not properly labelled or carry misleading information is prohibited. Businesses have been given a six-month transition period to ensure existing pre-packaged food products comply with the new requirements.

The regulation authorises the MFDA to impose fines ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 1 million for breaches of labelling requirements. For businesses with more than five violations, the authority may impose the maximum penalty and revoke operating licences or registrations.

Food products carrying deceptive or misleading labels will be subject to fines ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 750,000. Such violations may also result in the temporary suspension of business licences.

The regulation further allows the MFDA to impose the maximum penalty for serious first-time offences. Cases that also constitute criminal offences under the Penal Code may be referred for prosecution.

In addition, the regulation introduces stricter standards for food packaging materials, requiring all food products to be packaged using food-grade materials that protect the product throughout its shelf life without affecting its quality or safety.

Among the key provisions is a ban on the reuse of single-use plastic containers, including PET bottles, for food packaging purposes. Violations of packaging material requirements carry fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 100,000.

The MFDA said the regulation is aimed at strengthening food safety standards and ensuring consumers receive accurate information about the food products available on the market.