The government will act with unwavering resolve to guarantee that the food and beverages consumed across the Maldives remain safe, healthy, and entirely trustworthy, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced in a social media post on 7 June to mark World Food Safety Day.
Reflecting on the annual event, aimed at eliminating foodborne illnesses, improving public health, and achieving sustainable development milestones, President Muizzu noted that these objectives demand continuous attention. "On this #WorldFoodSafetyDay, we are reminded of the significance of safe food in eliminating foodborne diseases, protecting public health, and sustainable development," President Muizzu stated on X, observing that "most of the foodborne illnesses are preventable through stronger systems relying on data driven action, collective commitment and collaboration across all sectors of our society."
To actualise this vision, the administration is prioritising the enactment of a comprehensive food safety law, stricter import protocols, and systematic testing. "We remain firmly committed to ensuring that all food consumed in our nation is safe, nutritious, and trustworthy," the president asserted, citing new regulations under the Food Safety Act, strengthened border controls, and enhanced technical capacity.
Turning to international crises, President Muizzu expressed solidarity with populations in Gaza and other regions forced to rely on contaminated water and unsafe food. "I urge the international community to work together to address these challenges," he stated, calling for cooperation and adherence to international standards to build a safer future.
Underscoring this urgency, the Food and Agriculture Organisation designated this year's theme as “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere”. Globally, contaminated food afflicts approximately 800 million individuals annually, resulting in an estimated 1.52 million recorded fatalities.
On social media post to mark World Food Safety Day. , First Lady, Sajidha Mohamed, stated that everyone has a role to play in ensuring food safety and that safeguarding it is a shared responsibility.
She highlighted that ensuring food safety requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. In this regard, she stressed that, in addition to food producers, distributors and healthcare professionals, consumers also have a responsibility to ensure that the food they use and consume has been produced, prepared and stored safely.
The First Lady further noted that every individual has a role in ensuring that food intended for consumption has not deteriorated or become harmful to health. She emphasised the importance of making informed choices and remaining vigilant about the safety and quality of food products.
According to the First Lady, protecting public health and building a healthier future can only be achieved through collaborative efforts to strengthen food safety and by supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining high food safety standards.