New regulations published: Fines of up to MVR one million for mislabeling food products
Under new regulations prohibiting the deceptive labeling of food products and the use of substandard packaging, negligent parties may face criminal charges and fines of up to MVR 1 million. Businesses have been granted a six-month grace period to bring existing market stock into compliance with these standards, which mandate that all food items must be packaged exclusively using food-grade materials.
A shopping cart filled to the brim with groceries at a retail food outlet. | iStock
The "Regulation on Food Packaging and Labeling," which outlines strict standards for the packaging and labeling of food products, has been officially published.
Under these regulations, it is strictly prohibited to import, package, or trade food products in the Maldives that have been labeled in a manner that misrepresents their true nature or origin.
Under these regulations, negligence in the packaging and labeling of food products that results in serious injury to health or poses a life-threatening risk may lead to fines of up to one million Rufiyaa, depending on the severity of the violation.
Furthermore, the regulations stipulate that selling food items with misleading labels will incur fines ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 750,000.
Regarding food packaging standards, all items must be packaged using food-grade materials. Specifically, the regulation prohibits the packaging of food and beverages in single-use plastic containers, such as PET bottles. Any party found in violation of these packaging standards will be subject to a fine ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 100,000.
Authorities have decided to grant businesses a six-month grace period to align pre-packaged and labeled food products with the new standards before the regulation takes full effect. Consequently, all products currently available on the market must be brought into compliance with these requirements within this timeframe.
The regulation further stipulates that, in addition to fines, relevant authorities reserve the right to pursue criminal charges against any individual if an act prohibited under these regulations is also classified as a criminal offense under the Penal Code or any other Maldivian law.
