Brussels/London: Coca-Cola has initiated a recall of certain beverages across multiple European nations after discovering elevated levels of chlorate, a chemical compound that can pose potential health risks with long-term exposure.
The recall, announced on Monday, affects products distributed in Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands since November. The company confirmed that some cans and glass bottles of its beverages contained chlorate levels above the permissible limit, prompting the voluntary withdrawal of these products as a precautionary measure.
Products and Affected Batches
According to the Belgian branch of Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operations, the recall includes several popular brands, such as:
- Coca-Cola
- Fanta
- Minute Maid
- Sprite
- Tropico
The affected batches, identified by the codes 328GE to 338GE, were distributed in various countries, including the UK, where five product lines had already been shipped at the close of 2023 and had been sold.
Health Risks Associated with Chlorate
Chlorate, a byproduct of chlorine used in water treatment and food processing, is typically found in trace amounts in food products. However, prolonged exposure to elevated chlorate levels can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as children and infants.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), long-term exposure to chlorate can potentially disrupt thyroid function, particularly among individuals with mild to moderate iodine deficiency.
Company Response and Ongoing Investigation
Coca-Cola has reassured consumers that, according to independent expert analysis, the risk to public health associated with the contamination is considered very low. Nonetheless, the company is actively collaborating with regulatory authorities to resolve the issue and ensure the swift removal of affected products from the market.
In response to the discovery of chlorate in the affected beverages, routine quality control testing at Coca-Cola’s Ghent production facility in north-west Belgium led to the identification of the contamination. The company has confirmed that most of the affected products that were still on shelves have already been removed, with remaining items undergoing withdrawal.
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is conducting its own investigation into the matter. Anne Gravett of the FSA stated that any unsafe products identified will be promptly removed, and consumers will be alerted accordingly.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
Coca-Cola emphasized that the quality and safety of its products remain its top priority and the company is taking all necessary steps to resolve the issue.
The company has not yet disclosed the exact quantity of products involved in the recall but acknowledged the scale of the situation. The French market, however, has not yet been included in the recall, though some products of Coke and Fuze Tea had been affected in the region.
Coca-Cola has also reassured the public that no consumer complaints have been received in Britain, and the company is continuing to work closely with health and regulatory authorities.
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