The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that it will begin strict enforcement of mandatory Food Hygiene Permits for all food service establishments across the country, effective February 1, 2026.
In a statement issued and signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority on Monday, February 2, the Authority stated that all food businesses operating without a valid Food Hygiene Permit will be closed down, describing the directive as a final warning to non-compliant operators.
The enforcement will apply to a wide range of establishments, including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food businesses, and canteens in schools, hospitals, offices, as well as all other food service outlets.
The FDA explained that the action is in line with Section 130 (1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the manufacture, sale, supply, or storage of regulated products in premises that are not duly registered for such purposes.
According to the Authority, any establishment found operating without the required permit will remain closed until it fully regularizes its operations and obtains a valid Food Hygiene Permit.
The FDA has therefore urged all food service operators to take immediate steps to comply with the directive, stressing that the move is aimed at protecting public health and ensuring food safety.
The FDA encouraged members of the public and operators with inquiries or concerns to contact the Authority through its official channels.
