Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khalil has said that in line with the Government's goal, arrangements will be made in the near future to collect samples and conduct tests abroad to ensure the safety of food imported into the Maldives.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Health today, Khalil said that one of the main goals of The Republic of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is to ensure that the food consumed by the people of the Maldives are brought as safe food and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) is carrying out these activities.

"Apart from this, a Bill has been introduced and passed in parliament to expand the work. Once the Bill is published on the Gazette, MFDA will collect samples for testing the moment the food imports arrive in the country," Minister Khalil said.

He said that it has been observed that a lot of chemicals are used in vegetable and fruit farming in the Maldives, which has been highlighted by the few tests conducted in the Maldives.

"We are trying to find a way to allow tests of vegetable fruits being carried out in the Maldives to be sent abroad. By then, we will know the extent to which there are hazardous substances in the food we eat and the MFDA will be empowered to import safe items," he said.

The Minister further said that after these tests, the farmers will know how to make the products produced in the country safely, which will be a big boost to the president's efforts to ensure food security.