The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that it will close all food service establishments operating without a valid Food Hygiene Permit, effective February 1, 2026.
The directive contained in a press release by the FDA said this will apply to food-related businesses, including restaurants, lounges, hotels, chop bars, snack bars, food vans, bakeries, event caterers, online food vendors, as well as canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices.
According to the FDA, this is being done in accordance 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.
“ Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) wishes to inform the general public that, effective 1st February 2026. All food service establishments operating without a valid food hygiene permit will be closed down.”
The FDA warned that any establishment found operating without the required permit will remain closed until it regularises its operations and secures the necessary food hygiene permit.
It has therefore advised all food service operators to take immediate steps to comply with the directive.
The authority said members of the public and food business operators seeking further information have been encouraged to contact the FDA through its official communication channels.
