Coca-Cola’s European bottling division announced on Monday a major recall of several beverages, including Coke, Sprite, and others, after discovering high levels of chlorate, a substance that can pose potential health risks.
The company confirmed that cans and glass bottles containing elevated levels of chlorate were distributed across Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November, according to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium, which spoke to AFP.
While the exact quantity involved is unclear, the company acknowledged that the volume of affected products is significant.
Chlorate is a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants, commonly used in water treatment and food processing. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a scientific opinion in 2015 warning that long-term exposure to chlorate could be a health concern, particularly for children with mild or moderate iodine deficiency.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium stated that the majority of the affected products have already been removed from store shelves and that efforts continue to withdraw the remaining items from the market.
However, the company’s French branch noted that independent expert analysis concluded the risk to consumers was “very low.” They also emphasized that no consumer complaints had been received regarding the issue.
Though some affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea were delivered in France, the recall did not currently extend to the French market, the company added.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners apologized for the recall, which was triggered by a routine check at its Ghent production facility.
The affected products, which had production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, included various brands such as Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico.
The full list of recalled beverages includes:
- Coca-Cola
- Fanta
- Minute Maid
- Tropico
- Fuze Tea
- Sprite
- Royal Bliss
- Appletiser
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
- Diet Coke
- Sprite Zero
- Light and Zero versions of the drinks listed above
The company assured that it is in contact with the relevant authorities in each affected market to address the issue.
