A six-month time frame has been given for labels to be updated as per the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA)'s newly introduced 'National Standard for Labeling Prepackaged Food'.

Major penalties will be imposed if the National Standard for Labeling Prepackaged Food, which was gazetted last Tuesday, is violated.

According to the MFDA's announcement that was publicized today, they have given a six-month window for the preparation in complying with the standard regarding all of the food items currently at the market, food items that will be newly produced and imported to Maldives.

For more information, the MFDA has requested to contact their Food Control Division at 3034217 or via their email, foodsafetydivision@health.gov.mv. 

If there is a fifth offense or additional offenses afterward, a fine of MVR 1,000,000 will be imposed and their license will be voided.

MFDA stated that those who violate the standard will be subject to administrative action along with being criminally charged. They also said that if imported food items violate the Food Safety Act and cause damages, compensation can be sought.

The standard has banned the use of single-use plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in packaging food items as well.