StrangeMan

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has instructed food and beverage businesses to immediately stop reusing empty plastic bottles, warning that the practice poses potential health risks.

In a statement, the authority noted that bottles used to package water and other drinks are typically made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a material designed for single use and disposal. These bottles are manufactured specifically for certain products and are not intended for repeated refilling or repackaging.

However, the MFDA said it has observed PET bottles being reused to package beverages. The authority cautioned that repeated use could cause chemical leaching or contamination, potentially affecting the quality and safety of the drink and, in turn, public health.

For years, reusing empty PET bottles has been common practice, especially among fruit vendors and small shops selling coconut water and coconut toddy. Some vendors refrigerate and sell coconut water in reused bottles, while certain suppliers distribute locally prepared coconut juice in single-use bottles with paper labels attached.

The MFDA directive comes as the Maldives continues efforts to phase out single-use plastics.

Under the latest timeline, the import and production of water in plastic bottles sized between 500ml and 1 litre will be banned from 1 December 2027, with sales prohibited from 1 June 2028.

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