Coca-Cola issues recall in Europe, UK over contamination 

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Coca-Cola issues recall in Europe, UK over contamination 

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has issued a significant recall of several products across Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK due to the detection of elevated levels of chlorate.

The recall, which is being carried out in consultation with food safety authorities, comes in response to concerns about the potential health risks linked to high levels of the chemical, according to reports from Wednesday.

The recall was officially announced on January 27, and a check by journalists on Thursday revealed the update on Coca-Cola’s Luxembourg and Belgium websites.

Affected products include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Fuze Tea, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico in cans and returnable glass bottles, with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE. These products, some of which are set to expire in 2025 and 2026, are the primary focus of the recall.

Other packaging formats like PET plastic bottles, beverage fountains, and tetra packs are not impacted. Consumers are advised to return any affected products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

In the UK, the recall affects Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero, primarily those distributed to cafes and restaurants. Also included are 6x250ml multipacks of Appletiser sold in supermarkets. However, the majority of Coca-Cola’s UK products, including standard cans and all glass and plastic bottles, are unaffected and safe for consumption.

Chlorate is a chemical byproduct that can form when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in food processing and water treatment. While the chemical has been linked to thyroid issues, particularly in children and infants, its presence in the affected products remains in very low quantities. Nutritionist Caron Grazette told the BBC that chlorate is also used in products like disinfectants and fireworks, and while the levels in soft drinks are small, consumers may still question ingesting such chemicals.

Coca-Cola has reassured consumers that the health risk is minimal, stating that independent expert analysis concluded the chance of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low. The company emphasized that the safety and quality of its products remain a top priority and apologized for any inconvenience caused.

The elevated chlorate levels were first detected during routine testing at Coca-Cola’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium. Initially affecting Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, the recall was later expanded to the UK after consultations with the UK Food Standards Agency.

This recall underscores ongoing concerns about chemical exposure in food and beverages, as well as the need for vigilance in quality control within the industry. Coca-Cola continues to work with regulatory authorities to ensure product safety in the future.

For further details, consumers are encouraged to visit Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ official website or reach out to customer service.

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