The government has extended the duration of implementing the temporary regulations of food safety in cafés, restaurants, and commercial homemade food products.
According to the regulation outlining the transitional procedure for the registration and licensing of food service establishments and entities published by MFDA, all food service entities were required to register before February 23.
According to it, food service establishments and people working there, which were registered with the MFDA or any other government agency, must apply to the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) for licensing within a maximum of six months.
MFDA said the transitional regulations would remain in effect until the regulations on food service entities are implemented.
"Therefore, it is hereby notified to those who comply with and enforce this regulation," the MFDA said in a statement.
An official from MFDA said the regulation on food safety was on schedule to be finalised and sent to the Attorney General's Office yesterday. The source also said they were preparing to publish the regulation within Ramadan.
The interim rules will be implemented until the rules are made public, the official added.
According to the regulations, it is prohibited to provide food service or operate such businesses without registering within the allocated period. Those in violation will face fines between MVR 10,000 and MVR 500,000 depending on the type of violation.
Food regulations were tightened following an increase in the number of cases where food was prepared in unsanitary conditions. Video and photos released after several operations conducted by Maldives Immigration last year showed that there are a number of places in Malé where food in poor hygienic conditions.
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