Coca-Cola Recalls Drinks in Europe Due to Elevated Chlorate Levels, Prompting UK Investigation

Coca-Cola Recalls Drinks in Europe Due to Elevated Chlorate Levels

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK has launched an investigation after Coca-Cola recalled drinks in some European countries due to elevated levels of chlorate. The recall affects cans of Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Appletiser, and other beverages with production codes between 328 GE and 338 GE in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Chlorate is a by-product of the breakdown of chlorine-based sanitizers and chlorine chemicals, which are frequently used to sterilize water. It can cause iodine deficiency in people and is regulated with legal maximum residue limits for a range of foods, including fresh produce.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners said in a statement that the recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale. The company stated that routine testing identified elevated levels of chlorate in certain products and that independent expert analysis concluded that the likelihood of any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low.

Coca-Cola has not received any consumer complaints in Great Britain and has alerted the authorities on this matter. The company will continue to collaborate with the authorities.

In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority found that levels of chlorate in drinking water and foods were too high and could result in serious health effects, especially among infants and children. These effects included impaired functioning of the thyroid due to inhibition of iodine uptake.

The FSA is investigating if any Coca-Cola products containing higher levels of chlorate are on the UK market. If they identify any unsafe food, they will take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.