Maldives bans US drink 'Dr Pepper' citing health risks

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has banned the import, sale, and consumption of the US-manufactured beverage Dr Pepper after tests revealed excessive levels of benzoic acid, a substance that can be harmful to health if consumed in large amounts.

The decision follows an alert from the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), which confirmed that the product had entered the Maldivian market.

In an official statement, the MFDA announced:

As a precautionary measure, this product is prohibited from being imported, distributed, sold, or consumed in the Maldives

MFDA statement on

Authorities have also ordered the immediate withdrawal and safe disposal of any remaining stock of Dr Pepper currently available in the country.