A commonly held belief about the safety of re-using plastic drink bottles has proven not to be true.
Both Choice and Food Standards Australia New Zealand have moved to allay fears about chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic drink bottles possibly contaminating the drink inside.
The two organisations have specifically examined this claim and noted that PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles have no plasticisers in them, meaning there is nothing that can leach into the drink.
The Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association and the Australasian Soft Drink Association have also reassured consumers these bottles can safely be re-used.
PACIA chief executive Michael Catchpole says much of the misinformation has been perpetuated by email hoaxes and Hollywood’s celebrity chat shows.
"The claims were tracked back to a Canadian bottled water manufacturer which appeared to want to do nothing more than promote the purchase of bottled water and discourage people from re-using plastic bottles re-filled with tap water," he said.
By far the bigger concern is the hygiene of the bottle, especially in warmer climates, given bacteria levels can increase at room temperatures.
This bacteria can come from your mouth, unwashed hands or from the air and can multiply in water, possible leading to gastroenteritis, and thrives in warm, moist environments.
To avoid this, the Food Safety Information Council recommends rinsing out bottles thoroughly after each use and leaving them to drain until completely dry.
Re-fill the bottle and, if you’re not planning to use it within the next two hours, keep the bottle in the fridge.
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Please provide your name. Read our have your say guidelines.