New Policy for Home-Based Food Production in Maldives
The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has introduced a new policy aimed at enhancing food safety standards for home-based food production.
Effective immediately, all home cooks must complete compulsory food safety training before selling their food products.
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The updated home food standards are now accessible on the MFDA’s ‘Dhirithi’ portal and the official Ministry of Health website. Permits for food sale will only be granted to individuals who adhere to these new regulations.
According to the policy, home cooks are required to register their food production locations and product lists with the MFDA through the Dhirithi portal using their eFaas accounts. They must also submit necessary checklists and documentation annually. The MFDA retains the right to conduct inspections of food safety premises to ensure compliance.
The policy stipulates that food production must not create smells, sounds, or smoke that could pose a public health risk. Employment in food production is restricted to household members, and only individuals who have completed the MFDA’s ‘Basic Food Safety Course’ are permitted to produce food items for sale.
Furthermore, the policy prohibits the use of large-scale food production equipment, such as industrial ovens, and mandates that unrelated persons must not enter the kitchen during food preparation. All food products must be labelled according to national standards.
In addition to these requirements, the policy includes guidelines for waste management and prohibits the presence of animals and birds in food production areas.
This policy comes in response to recent findings by Maldives Immigration, which has identified several premises where expatriates have been producing food under unsanitary conditions. Several expatriates working illegally in this sector have been taken into custody and are facing deportation.
