Health Minister Khaleel Links Unhygienic Food Production to Illegal Migrants in the Maldives

Health Minister Abdulla Khaleel has highlighted a concerning link between unhygienic food production and illegal immigrants in the Maldives, underscoring the government's ongoing efforts to enforce stricter food safety regulations.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Health Ministry, Minister Khaleel revealed that since January 2024, the ministry has conducted raids on 1,579 establishments suspected of selling food items without proper registration. Of these, 14 establishments were closed, while 13 were permitted to reopen after complying with food safety standards.

Minister Khaleel emphasized that major violations are often traced back to unregistered establishments, which are typically associated with foreigners working in the country without proper documentation. "These unregulated operations pose significant health risks," he noted, attributing the problem to the activities of illegal migrants.

The minister also discussed the recent implementation of the Food Security Act, which came into effect on May 23, 2024. The Act empowers authorities to trace the origins of food products sold in shops, enhancing the ability to hold vendors accountable. "Many shops are struggling to monitor the food brought in by private suppliers, which complicates efforts to enforce safety standards," Khaleel stated. The new law allows for the closure of shops that stock untraceable or unsafe food products.

In addition, the Food Security Act imposes severe penalties on offenders, with fines ranging from RF 10,000 to RF 1 million. Minister Khaleel asserted that these measures would significantly bolster the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of food for the Maldivian people.

The Health Ministry's crackdown on unregistered food establishments and the introduction of stringent penalties under the new law reflect the administration's broader efforts to address public health concerns and enhance food safety across the nation.