UXBRIDGE, England Coca-Cola has issued a recall of several soft drink lines across Europe after routine testing revealed “higher levels” of chlorate, a chemical used in water treatment and food processing.
The recall affects Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with a small batch of products also sold in the UK.
The impacted brands include Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico, and Minute Maid.
Affected UK products consist of specific imported cans of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero, marked with production codes 328 GE to 338 GE, found at the base of cans.
In a statement, Coca-Cola emphasized that “independent expert analysis concludes that any associated risk for consumers is very low.”
The company added that no complaints had been received in the UK, and it is cooperating with local authorities.
The discovery of elevated chlorate levels occurred during testing at Coca-Cola’s facility in Ghent, Belgium.
According to the company, the majority of unsold products have been removed from shelves, with efforts underway to complete the withdrawal process.
Chlorate can form as a byproduct of chlorine-based disinfectants used in industrial processes.
While Coca-Cola downplayed the risk, health experts warned of potential dangers.
Exposure to high levels of chlorate may lead to thyroid issues, particularly in children and infants.
NHS and private nutritionist Caron Grazette raised concerns about chemical use in food products, telling the BBC, “We need to question whether or not we want to digest chemicals in soft drinks which are used in the production of fireworks and disinfectants, however small the quantity.”
She added that excess chlorate consumption could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and oxygen absorption issues.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating the recall.
FSA representative Anne Gravett stated, “If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”
Coca-Cola reiterated its commitment to product quality and safety, calling it “its top priority.”
