MFDA to fine inspectors up to MVR 100,000 for misconduct

A new regulation has been drafted to impose fines of up to MVR 100,000 on food inspectors who violate professional and ethical standards. 

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has formulated a regulation outlining the responsibilities, conduct requirements and enforcement powers of food inspectors. 

Under the regulation, inspectors are responsible for ensuring that food imports, exports and all establishments involved in producing or selling food in Maldives comply with standards set under the Food Safety Act. Inspectors must also investigate public complaints related to food safety and take action against violators. 

The regulation grants inspectors the authority to detain, destroy or return imported food if MFDA believes it is prohibited or requires analysis. Inspectors appointed under the regulation will be issued an official pass or identification document. 

Minimum qualifications for inspectors include GCE A/L, Basic Food Safety Training or a higher certificate, and fluency in Dhivehi and English. However, inspectors who have served at MFDA for at least 10 years will be exempt from these requirements. 

The regulation also requires inspectors to withdraw from inspecting any food establishment where they have a conflict of interest, including employment, ownership, shareholding or close family ties, with written notice to MFDA. 

Inspectors will be prohibited from providing false information to MFDA, seeking financial gain, issuing licenses to non‑compliant establishments without inspection, or tampering with evidence collected during inspections. 

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

The President has previously stated that the government is working to strengthen food safety regulations and increase technical capacity for monitoring and testing food safety nationwide.