MFDA warns against reuse of plastic bottles for food packaging

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) on Sunday advised the public not to reuse disposable plastic bottles for household or commercial purposes, particularly for food packaging.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the authority said plastic bottles used for drinking water and soft drinks are designed for single use and may affect food when reused.

MFDA said such bottles are manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic intended for specific products and disposable use only. The authority noted that reusing these bottles could result in plastic affecting food and pose a risk to human health.

The authority said it has observed food vendors using empty water and soft drink bottles to package food items. It also noted that various beverages are being sold in reused bottles originally intended for soft drinks.

“Therefore, empty PET bottles used for drinking water and soft drinks should not be used for food packaging,” the authority said.

MFDA added that it is common for juices to be sold in reused soft drink bottles, and for households to store and repeatedly consume juices from such containers. The authority also noted that items such as curry powder are being sold in reused plastic bottles in the market.