Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has today advised caution to consumers as some food products are being sold without proper labelling as required by regulations.
Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has today advised caution to consumers as some food products are being sold without proper labelling as required by regulations.
In a statement issued today, MFDA said that a list of persons registered under the "Register of persons producing and selling food items for personal livelihood" will be published on their Dhirithi portal and the Ministry of Health website.
They announced that a product labelled 'Hinnavaru Athujehi' is being sold under a false label.
They said that the manufacturers of this product are not listed on their register. The number listed on the label is also not one issued by the authority, they said.
"We advise customers to be alert to such issues when purchasing packeted food items. If any sellers are observed to be acting in contravention to these regulations, please inform us via calling 3014361 or 7603204," MFDA said.
The offence may be met with a criminal charge and a fine of MVR 1 million as per the regulations formed under the Food Safety Act. Under the Public Health Act, which is currently acted upon, a fine no higher than MVR 10,000 can be charged.
All food producers except short term markets, vehicles and stands must be registered under these two laws. These three classes are also expected to abide by MFDA guidelines in food production even though they are not required to register.