Food safety is a civil responsibility, says First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.

She said this while speaking at the reception held to mark World Food Safety Day 2024 on Thursday.

Taking the podium at the event, Sajidha encouraged the public to work together to ensure the safety of all, by being responsible about food safety.

Shedding light on the key objectives of marking World Food Safety Day, Sajidha said that this includes raising awareness about food safety, promoting proper food handling practices and providing information about safe drinking water and food consumption guidelines.

Further, it also includes encouraging the consumption of immune-boosting foods.

Stating that food is vital for human survival and well-being, Sajidha stressed the importance of food for human development, mental sharpness, and overall strength.

The World Food Safety Day for 2024 revolves around the theme "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected."

Touching upon the theme, Sajidha stated that it mirrors the connection between human well-being and safe food.

As such, she emphasized that sustainable development and safe food are interlinked.

Further, she shed light on the steps that may be taken to ensure food safety and encouraged everyone to work together to achieve goals linked to food safety.

The first lady went on to talk about the significance of implementing the Food Safety Act, recently ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The People’s Majlis passed the food security bill, which shed light on important issues linked to food security, during the 26th sitting of the first session of this year on 13 May 2024.

Shedding light on a comprehensive framework for the regulation of food safety, the Food Safety Act of Maldives ensures that all food products, whether locally produced, imported, or exported, do not contain harmful substances and comply with established standards.

The act emphasizes the procedures and standards for food safety, which must be adhered to by all stakeholders in the food industry.

The main purpose of the act is to establish standards for various aspects of food production and preparation to ensure the safety of food items.