No more packaging gin in plastic bottles in Rwanda
The East African 6 hours ago
Alcoholic drinks packaged in plastic bottles, some of which are
imported from neighbouring countries, have been banned in Rwanda.
Announcing new measures to streamline the mushrooming gin processing
and packaging industry, the Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) termed
packaging gins in plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles as
health and environmental hazards.
However, industrial players say this could increase production costs
by up to four times. There were also fears that the resultant high
production costs would make Rwandan gins uncompetitive within the East
African Community (EAC).
Some East African countries, such as Uganda, freely allow the use of
plastic bottles for packaging alcoholic drinks.
The standards body will however not entertain the argument, saying its
decision was informed by the fact that continuous use of the plastic
bottles, which contain a potentially carcinogenic element, was
dangerous.
"Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) can be re-activated by prolonged exposure
to heat and contact with alcohols and therefore poses a health risk,"
said Dr Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, director-general, RBS.
He added that the mushrooming gin packaging firms import huge volumes
of plastics, raising environmental concerns as the material is not
degradable.
"Unrecycled plastics are not properly disposed of, therefore becoming
environmental hazards," Dr Chubahiro said.
RBS also said there was a probable adulteration of the gins since
plastic bottles are often misused, consumers are cheated and firms
involved in bottling the drinks are creating unfavourable competition
with genuine producers.
To maintain standards and create a level playing field, RBS said it
has directed gin producers to start using glass bottles by April 30.
Industry players however said the two-month ultimatum was too short
and could drive many out of business as some of them are small-scale
processors.
Another development in the industry requires all the gin processors
and packers to operate in permanent premises that can be inspected.
"The bureau wishes to remind all companies or persons who were
authorised to process the gin in temporary premises that the due date
for relocation to authorised industrial zones must be respected as per
their respective letters," Dr Chubahiro added.
He further instructed importers of gins to import only those packed in
glass bottles and whose alcohol content must be in compliance with Law
No.03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic
Substances and Precursors in Rwanda.
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SIBOMANA Jean Bosco
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