MFDA Issues Health Advisory Over Dangerous Chemical Found In Three Medicines
Maldives Food and Drug Authority | Photo: MV+
The Maldives Food and Drug Authority has issued a health advisory after high levels of a dangerous chemical were detected in three medications.
— MFDA (@MFDA_mv) December 14, 2025advertisement
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The authority stated that it was notified by the South East Asia Region Network following tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand, which found elevated levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine, commonly known as NDMA, in the medicines.
The affected products include metformin hydrochloride, an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and produced by Unison Laboratories Company in Thailand, ranitidine, a heartburn medication manufactured by Medicis Remedies in India, and Vitamin A USP 200,000 IU produced by Zee Laboratories in India.
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen and has been linked to liver, lung and other cancers in animal studies.
The MFDA confirmed that these medicines have not been imported into the Maldives. However, it noted that Maldivians travelling to Thailand may have purchased the medicines during their visits, as Thailand is a popular destination for medical treatment.
As a precautionary measure, the authority announced that extensive checks will be carried out at ports on prescribed medicines being brought into the Maldives to ensure public safety.
