MFDA Orders Halt to Sale of Food in Used Plastic Bottles

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has ordered vendors to immediately stop selling food and beverages in used plastic bottles, warning that the practice poses potential health risks to consumers.

In a statement issued yesterday, the authority stated that it had observed food and drink items being packaged in empty drinking water and soft drink bottles that are not designed for reuse. The containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a disposable plastic material intended for single use.

The MFDA explained that PET bottles are not suitable for refilling with other food products and cautioned that reuse may result in chemical leaching. Such contamination could compromise food safety and pose risks to human health.

According to the authority, the continued use of empty PET bottles for the sale of various beverages in local markets increases the likelihood of plastic compounds migrating into food and drinks. This process may be accelerated by repeated washing, exposure to heat and general wear and tear, which can degrade the material over time. International food safety guidelines warn that the reuse of single-use plastic bottles can increase the risk of chemical release and bacterial growth.

The practice of reusing plastic bottles is common in local markets, particularly for the sale of coconut water and homemade beverages. The directive seeks to curb this practice in order to safeguard public health.

The MFDA has instructed all vendors to comply with the order with immediate effect and has provided contact numbers 3034213 and 7603204 for further information.