Coca-Cola recalls drinks in Europe over elevated chlorate levels

Coca-Cola has issued a recall of certain beverages in parts of Europe due to elevated levels of chlorate, a chemical that can result from the use of chlorine-based disinfectants in water treatment and food processing.

The recall primarily affects Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with only a small number of affected products reaching Britain, where they have already been sold.

Impacted brands include Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico, and Minute Maid, according to Coca-Cola’s Belgian branch.

In Britain, specific imported cans of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE are part of the recall.

Coca-Cola stated that independent analysis determined the health risk for consumers to be “very low” and confirmed no consumer complaints had been reported in Britain.

The company said it has alerted authorities and is collaborating with them to address the issue.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating the matter. Anne Gravett, an FSA representative, assured the public that any unsafe products identified would be removed from shelves and consumers alerted.

Chlorate exposure at high levels can lead to thyroid issues, especially in children and infants, and may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced oxygen absorption in the blood.

Nutritionist Caron Grazette expressed concerns about the presence of such chemicals in soft drinks, emphasizing their industrial uses in fireworks and disinfectants.

The higher chlorate levels were detected during routine testing at Coca-Cola’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium. Most affected products have been removed from shelves, and efforts are underway to withdraw the remainder.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to product quality and safety, emphasizing that it considers these aspects its top priority.