Coca-Cola has issued a recall for several of its products in the UK after its bottling partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, detected elevated levels of chlorate during routine testing at its production facility in Ghent, Belgium.
Affected products include Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite Zero, and 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks that were distributed to UK supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
The recall follows a similar action taken across Europe earlier this week, including the withdrawal of affected products from shelves in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
The company confirmed that the contaminated products had already been sold in the UK, prompting the latest recall following ongoing discussions with the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The affected Coca-Cola products have production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, located at the base of the cans.
However, the company reassured customers that the majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK, are not impacted by the recall.
Chlorate, a chemical produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing, can pose health risks when consumed in high levels.
Although Coca-Cola Europacific Partners stated that the risk of illness is “very low,” the company acknowledged concerns over the potential effects of chlorate exposure.
Health experts, including NHS nutritionist Caron Grazette, warned that prolonged exposure to chlorate could lead to thyroid problems, particularly among children and infants.
Ingesting high levels of chlorate could also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and hinder the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen.
Despite these concerns, Coca-Cola assured consumers that independent expert analysis concluded the associated risks of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming the affected products were minimal.
The company emphasized that the quality and safety of its products remain a top priority, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the recall.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners reiterated that the affected products are being swiftly withdrawn from circulation to prevent further exposure, with all relevant authorities being alerted to the situation.
The company also stated that it is working closely with the UK FSA and other regulatory bodies to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.
This recall comes as part of Coca-Cola’s ongoing commitment to upholding high standards of product safety and quality.
Despite the company’s assurances, health experts and concerned customers have raised questions about the use of chemicals like chlorate in food and beverages, calling for further scrutiny of its safety in consumables.
Coca-Cola has urged anyone who has purchased the affected products to return them for a refund or exchange, adding that the recall is an isolated incident and that most of its product lines remain safe for consumption.
As of now, the company has not reported any illnesses related to the recall, but the situation is under close investigation as Coca-Cola works to resolve the issue.
