FDA announces shutdown of food outlets without hygiene permits

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that it will shut down all food service establishments operating without valid Food Hygiene Permits, effective February 1, 2026.

In a public notice issued by the Authority, the directive applies to all food businesses, including restaurants, hotels, lounges, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food vendors, and canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices.

According to the FDA, the enforcement action serves as a final warning to operators who have failed to regularize their operations. Any establishment found to be operating without the required permit will be closed immediately.

The FDA explained that the move 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 unregistered premises.

Non-compliant establishments, the Authority noted, will remain closed until they fully meet all regulatory requirements and obtain the mandatory Food Hygiene Permit.

The FDA has therefore urged all food business operators to take immediate steps to comply with the directive, stressing that the enforcement is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring food safety nationwide.