In 2007 he founded the Medical Fair and Ethical Trade Group at the British Medical Association, in response to witnessing labour rights abuse in the manufacture of surgical instruments. The group has been spearheading efforts to protect labour rights in the production and supply of medical commodities to the UK and European health sectors. Mahmood was awarded the Royal Society of Medicine Young Epidemiologist award in 2008, and the group was awarded the 2009 BMJ Award for corporate and social responsibility.