Unsanitary fish drying operation under tarpaulin sheets discovered in Villimalé
22 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 11:10The Malé City Council, in collaboration with the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), has inspected several sites in the Vilimalé industrial area following reports of fish being dried on the ground under unsanitary conditions. During the inspection, authorities instructed those involved to rectify the issues and adhere to established food safety standards, while the Council issued a formal appeal urging the public to refrain from processing fish in unhygienic environments.
Fish being dried in unsanitary conditions under plastic tarpaulins. | Male' City Council
The Malé City Council and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) have jointly ordered corrective measures following an investigation into unhygienic smoked fish processing at the Villimalé industrial zone, where fish was being dried on tarpaulins spread across the ground.
Malé City Council stated that the issue was identified during a routine patrol by staff from the council's Villimalé Community Engagement Unit.
The City Council reported that during the inspection, officials observed several smoked fish producers in the Villimalé industrial zone operating under unsanitary conditions, including drying fish on tarpaulins spread directly across the ground.
The City Council stated that the matter was officially reported to the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) once it was identified. Subsequently, the MFDA, in collaboration with the Villimale Community Engagement Unit, inspected the premises in the area and instructed those responsible to rectify the issues.
The Malé City Council has urged smoked fish processors in the Villimalé industrial zone to cease operations that violate hygiene standards, reminding them that preparing and handling food in unsanitary conditions is strictly prohibited.
