Six-month grace period granted to bring existing market stock into compliance with labeling regulations
Under new regulations prohibiting the deceptive labeling and substandard packaging of food products, violators 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 the new 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 Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has granted businesses a six-month grace period to align existing stocks of packaged and labeled food products with the newly implemented packaging and labeling regulations.
In a recent announcement, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) confirmed that the "Regulation on Packaging and Labeling of Food Products" has been gazetted and is now in effect. The authority noted that the regulation includes a six-month transition period for businesses to align their products with the new standards, allowing items packaged and labeled prior to the enforcement date to remain on the market during this duration.
Consequently, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has instructed businesses to ensure that existing market stock is brought into compliance with the regulations within this period.
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 health complications or life-threatening conditions may incur a fine of up to one million Rufiyaa, depending on the severity of the offense.
Furthermore, the regulations stipulate that selling food products with misleading labels will carry a fine 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 intended for one-time use. Those found in violation of these packaging standards will face fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 100,000.
