Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has clarified that restaurants and home-based food sellers do not need special permission to promote their food products.

This announcement follows public concerns over reports suggesting that prior authorisation was required to advertise food under the country’s food advertisement regulations.

According to the MFDA, advertising permissions are only necessary for activities designed to boost the popularity of a food product or an ingredient used in food production. This means that food businesses, such as restaurants and home-based businesses, can freely advertise their menus and food offerings without seeking special approval. The authority specifically stated that advertisements related to the general sale of food, whether through online platforms or social media, are exempt from requiring permission. This includes restaurant menus, posts about food availability, and general promotions indicating that a particular food item is on sale.

However, the MFDA has imposed restrictions on advertisements that claim a food product is better than others or suggest its greater popularity. MFDA said any such claims would require prior approval before posts can be published.

The regulation is aimed at ensuring fairness in food advertisements and detering businesses from misleading consumers with exaggerated or unverified claims regarding food products.