Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated food importers must be more observant in importing food items to Maldives.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting with private parties to discuss a draft paper on Food Imports Scheme, Health Minister Ameen urged all importers to consider public health of the people and ensure the food imported are safe for people. The health minister also highlighted the importance of making the public aware of healthy food. He said it poses serious threats to people if food imported is aimed at making profits alone, disregarding the public health of people.
Minister Ameen called importers to ensure the quality of food imported, adding the ministry will also put more efforts in making sure it is safe and of good quality. The minister stated non-communicable diseases are on the rise due to lack of attention to consuming healthy food and hence, the policy drafted is aimed at improving the quality and safety of the food items imported to Maldives. He added the ministry will work on improving the food produced in Maldives as well.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister of State for Health Dr. Shah Abdulla Mahir said the various items imported to Maldives must be screened to ensure quality. The state minister said food items have been genetically modified using conventional hormones, and food are currently produced using dangerous pesticides and chemicals. He added this requires more awareness from the public.
Statistics shows 95% of all imported items in Maldives are food items. The health ministry has highlighted the need for more human resource development and attaining the required equipment to conduct more effective inspections.