President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding food safety across the Maldives, pledging decisive action to ensure that all food and beverages consumed in the country remain safe, nutritious and trustworthy.
In a message shared on social media to mark World Food Safety Day on 7 June, the President highlighted the critical role of food safety in protecting public health, preventing foodborne diseases and supporting sustainable development.
“On this #WorldFoodSafetyDay, we are reminded of the significance of safe food in eliminating foodborne diseases, protecting public health and promoting sustainable development,” President Muizzu stated. He noted that most foodborne illnesses can be prevented through stronger regulatory systems, data-driven action, and greater collaboration among all sectors of society.
The President said the government is prioritising several key initiatives to strengthen food safety standards nationwide, including the introduction of a comprehensive food safety law, enhanced import controls and expanded food testing mechanisms.
“We remain firmly committed to ensuring that all food consumed in our nation is safe, nutritious and trustworthy,” he said, pointing to the implementation of new regulations under the Food Safety Act, strengthened border inspections and improved technical capacity to monitor food quality.
President Muizzu also drew attention to the challenges faced by communities affected by conflict and humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza and other regions where access to safe food and clean water remains limited. He called on the international community to work together to address these issues and promote adherence to global food safety standards.
This year's World Food Safety Day is being observed under the theme, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere.” According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), contaminated food affects around 800 million people worldwide each year and contributes to approximately 1.52 million deaths annually.
Marking the occasion, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed emphasised that food safety is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of all members of society.
In a social media message, she noted that ensuring food safety depends on the collective efforts of food producers, distributors, healthcare professionals and consumers alike. She stressed the importance of ensuring that food is produced, prepared, transported and stored in a safe manner.
The First Lady further highlighted the responsibility of individuals to remain vigilant about the quality and condition of the food they consume, encouraging consumers to make informed choices and pay close attention to food safety practices.
She stated that protecting public health and building a healthier future can only be achieved through stronger cooperation among all stakeholders and continued support for initiatives aimed at maintaining the highest food safety standards across the country.
