Oil discarded from resorts may contain traces of non-halal food, warns MFDA

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has once again warned the public against using discarded cooking oil from resorts, saying it may be contaminated with traces of non-halal food and is unsafe for consumption.

The reminder follows the circulation of a social media video last week showing disposed cooking oil, being filtered and refilled into large containers for reuse.

MFDA said the practice of collecting and reselling used oil from resorts has been a long standing issue, despite repeated warnings. The authority referred to its previous press release issued on 14 February 2018, which cautioned against the use of such oil in food preparation.

According to the agency, it continues to receive complaints that discarded oil from resorts and similar establishments is being reused in food production. MFDA reiterated that this poses a public health risk, as the oil does not meet "general food safety standards".

“There is a possibility that oil discarded from places like resorts is contaminated with traces of non-halal food,” the authority said in a statement.

MFDA urged businesses and individuals to refrain from selling or using discarded cooking oil, warning that action will be taken under the Food Safety Act against those found violating the regulation.