Those in charge of Vilimale' Industrial Zone has been instructed to address unhygienic food handling practices among dried fish processors operating in the area.

Male' City Council said today that some valhomas (dried tuna) processors in Vilimale' industrial zone had been found drying fish on tarps placed directly on the ground. The practice was observed by employees of the Vilimale' Community Engagement Unit during a routine patrol.

The council said the matter was formally referred to the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), following which the Community Engagement Unit inspected the establishments in the industrial zone.

The processors were instructed to rectify the issues identified during the inspection, the council said.

The council urged dried fish processors not to prepare or handle food in an unhygienic manner, noting that such practices are prohibited in the industrial zone.

Authorities regularly conduct joint inspections of food establishments in Male' to ensure compliance with hygiene standards. Establishments found to have serious hygiene violations may be issued notices or temporarily closed, and are allowed to reopen once the required corrective measures have been completed.