Draft Regulation Proposes Fines of Up to MVR 100,000 for Food Inspectors

A draft regulation proposed by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) would allow fines of up to MVR 100,000 to be imposed on food inspectors who breach professional and ethical standards.

The regulation sets out the responsibilities, conduct requirements and enforcement powers of food inspectors appointed under the Food Safety Act. It requires inspectors to ensure that food imports, exports and establishments involved in the production, processing and sale of food in the Maldives comply with food safety standards. Inspectors will also be responsible for investigating public complaints related to food safety and taking action against violations.

Under the draft regulation, inspectors will have the authority to detain, destroy or return imported food if the MFDA determines that it is prohibited or requires further analysis. Inspectors appointed under the regulation will also be issued official identification documents.

The proposed qualification requirements include GCE Advanced Level education, Basic Food Safety Training or a higher qualification, and proficiency in both Dhivehi and English. However, inspectors who have served at the MFDA for at least 10 years will be exempt from these requirements.

The regulation also requires inspectors to declare and avoid conflicts of interest. Inspectors must withdraw from inspecting any food establishment where they have an employment relationship, ownership interest, shareholding or close family connection, and must notify the MFDA in writing.

The draft rules prohibit inspectors from providing false information to the MFDA, seeking financial or personal gain through their duties, issuing licences to establishments without carrying out the required inspections, or tampering with evidence collected during inspections.

The MFDA will have the authority to impose administrative fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 100,000, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.

The proposed regulation follows the government’s broader efforts to strengthen food safety oversight. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated that the government is working to enhance food safety regulations and expand the country’s technical capacity for food monitoring and testing.