MFDA Field Officers Charged Over Unauthorised Food Clearance
wo Maldives Food and Drug Authority officers charged for issuing food shipment clearances without health certificates | Photo: MPL
Two field officers from the Maldives Food and Drug Authority have been charged with issuing clearances for food shipments without the mandatory health certificates.
The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that charges were filed against Ahmed Hashim of Dhaftharu 9244 and Ahmed Zahir of Arafat, Thinadhoo City. Both individuals face three counts of misconduct in the performance of official duty.
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If convicted, each officer could face a total sentence of one year, two months and 12 days, equivalent to four months and 24 days for each charge.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has submitted the chargesheet to the Criminal Court. Although both officers requested a plea bargain, prosecutors declined the request, citing public interest and the severity of the offence, which has direct implications for food safety and security in the country.
The case highlights increasing scrutiny of regulatory practices in food imports, as authorities stress that bypassing mandatory health certification requirements poses risks to public health.
