Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has declared that illegal food production facilities in the Maldives will be shut down immediately. During a press conference focused on including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in a taskforce aimed at addressing the issue of illegal immigrants, Minister Ihusaan emphasized the urgency of tackling these illegal operations.
The minister disclosed the taskforce, which now includes active participation from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, will be conducting raids to identify and close down illegal food production facilities. He revealed that during previous operations, illegal immigrants were found working in various unregistered businesses, including SPAs involved in illicit activities such as organ selling. Legal actions have been taken against those individuals under the Immigration Act. Minister Ihusaan stressed that these operations would not only target illegal immigrants but also shut down the businesses employing them, as exploiting such migrants poses a significant risk to the nation.
Minister of Health, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, also spoke at the press conference, affirming that the ministry is committed to ensuring the safe production of food and beverages in the country. He assured that any facilities producing food items that may pose a risk to public health would be closed immediately.
Additionally, Registrar of Companies, Mariyam Wisam, confirmed that businesses operating without proper registration would be shut down during these raids, with appropriate actions taken against them.
This move follows President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's ratification of the Food Safety Act on May 23, which aims to ensure the safety of food items imported and exported from the Maldives. The Act officially came into effect today.