Coca-Cola announced on Monday a significant recall of its beverages, including Coke and Sprite, after discovering high levels of chlorate, which could pose health risks.
According to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium, cans and glass bottles with elevated chlorate levels were distributed across Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November.
While the company did not provide an exact number, they acknowledged that the quantity involved is substantial. Chlorate can be present in food products as it originates from chlorine disinfectants commonly used in water treatment and food processing.
A 2015 report from the European Food Safety Authority indicated that prolonged exposure to chlorate could be a health concern, particularly for children with mild to moderate iodine deficiency.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium stated that most of the affected products have already been removed from store shelves, and they are actively working to eliminate any remaining items from the market.
However, the company’s French division noted that independent analyses showed the likelihood of any associated risk to be “very low.” They also mentioned that they had not received any consumer complaints regarding this issue.
Some affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea were sent to France, but the recall does not currently extend to the French market.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners expressed regret over the recall, which was identified during a routine inspection at their Ghent production facility. The affected products carry production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE and include brands like Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico.
The company confirmed that they are in communication with the relevant authorities in each impacted market.
