Maldives bans US beverage over health concerns

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued a ban on the import, sale, and use of the US-manufactured beverage Dr Pepper, following the discovery of excessive levels of benzoic acid, a potentially harmful substance.

The decision was made after the MFDA received an alert through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), indicating that the product had entered the Maldivian market.

“As a precautionary measure, this product is prohibited from being imported, distributed, sold, or consumed in the Maldives,” the MFDA said in an official statement.

Authorities have ordered the withdrawal and destruction of any existing stock of Dr Pepper within the country.