The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has indicated that, despite the lack of formal advertising for various unauthorized supplements in the Maldivian market, these products can still be bought at certain shops.

During a state media program, MFDA Food Quality Assurance Coordinator Aminath Shabana Ali highlighted that a variety of supplements is being marketed via social media channels without the necessary registration.

Shabana mentioned that obtaining prior approval from the MFDA is essential before any food supplement can be brought into the Maldives, emphasizing that importers need to have either formal registration or ensure the product is listed with the authority prior to importation.

She also mentioned that over 8,000 food supplements have been registered in the Maldives so far, indicating a notable increase in the public's use of these items.

Regarding the regulatory framework, Shabana stated that every product needs to obtain MFDA approval prior to advertising.

"This indicates that the use of these products by Maldivians is relatively high." "Thus, we need to check if these substances are truly necessary for our bodies," Shabana commented.

She further warned consumers to carefully examine warning labels on specific supplements, including notices like 'P65 Warning' and 'Reproductive Harm.'

The MFDA reiterated that every product launched in the market should have distinct labels, making sure that consumers can easily recognize the ingredients.

Even though the new labeling regulation was published in the gazette this June, companies have been afforded a six-month period to adhere to the new standards.

The agency cautioned that legal measures will be pursued against companies caught selling items with non-compliant labels following the December compliance deadline.