Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has closed four food establishments in Hulhumale' for operating without the required permits.

MFDA said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to check compliance with the Food Safety Act and identify unauthorized businesses.

A total of 26 establishments were inspected, with four found to be operating without the necessary permits and subsequently closed. The authority did not disclose the names of the establishments.

MFDA also announced plans to expand its inspections to include commercial food manufacturers next month.

Surveillance inspections of registered food manufacturers will be conducted from 5 to 20 November to ensure that food is produced in accordance with the required standards. Inspectors will visit food processing facilities during the period, the authority said.

Further information can be obtained through the MFDA hotline.

The inspections come amid public concern over the regulatory status of food products made at home and sold in shops.