Ministry of Health Clarifies Food Advertising Regulations, Outlines Approval Process

The Ministry of Health has provided clarification on what qualifies as advertising under the Food Advertising Regulations released on February 20, 2025, addressing concerns from small businesses and entrepreneurs within the food and beverage sector.

Under these regulations, all food advertisements must receive prior approval through the "Dhirithi" portal. Failure to comply may result in a fine of MVR 10,000.

However, the Ministry clarified that basic posts about food availability, such as restaurant menus or simple social media updates indicating a food item is in stock, do not require approval.

Approval is only necessary when the post promotes a product with phrases such as "second to none" or includes direct comparisons to other products.

Advertisement licenses are valid for three years, and any modifications to an approved ad must be submitted as a new application.