The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued a warning against the reuse of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water and soft drink bottles for packaging and selling food products, citing potential health risks.
In a statement, the Authority said it had identified several food businesses repurposing empty PET bottles to market new products. Regulators noted that these bottles are manufactured as single-use containers and are not designed for repeated commercial use.
According to MFDA, repeated use accelerates plastic degradation, which may cause harmful chemical compounds to leach into food and beverages. Officials warned that such exposure could pose adverse health effects to consumers. The Authority has instructed vendors to immediately cease the practice and refrain from selling food or beverages in repurposed disposable bottles.
The reuse of depleted PET bottles remains visible in some local markets, particularly in the sale of coconut water, and is also common in households for storing homemade drinks. MFDA reiterated that food businesses must adhere to approved packaging standards to ensure consumer safety and public health protection.