The Government has launched a nationwide food safety inspection ahead of Ramadan, targeting restaurants, cafés, and marketplaces to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

The initiative is being carried out by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The inspections, which began on February 24, 2025, are being conducted across the country from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Officials are assessing food storage conditions, pest control measures, refrigeration standards, and adherence to temperature guidelines for perishable goods. Checks also include verifying expiry dates, packaging integrity, labeling accuracy, and overall hygiene standards in food establishments.

This initiative follows the ratification of the Food Safety Act by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in August 2024. The Act strengthens regulations on food production and sales, particularly for household businesses, and grants MFDA the authority to monitor food preparation sites and individuals involved in food production.

The Ministry of Health has also announced plans to introduce licensing for households selling food products. Additionally, efforts are being made to register foreign workers employed in cafés and restaurants and to implement hygiene awareness programmes for them.

Authorities have stated that these inspections are part of ongoing efforts to enhance food safety and protect public health, particularly during the fasting month when demand for food services increases.