Coca-Cola’s European bottling division announced on Monday that it has initiated a large-scale recall of several beverages, including Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and others, following the discovery of elevated levels of chlorate during quality checks.
The recall affects cans and glass bottles distributed in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since the end of November. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium informed AFP, stating, “While we do not have an exact figure, the volume of affected products is significant.” The company assured that most unsold products have already been removed from store shelves and is continuing efforts to withdraw any remaining affected items.
Chlorate, a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants used in water treatment and food processing, can be found in food and beverages. According to a 2015 scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), long-term exposure to chlorate may pose a health risk, particularly for children with mild or moderate iodine deficiencies. Acute exposure to high levels of chlorate can also be toxic.
The recall was triggered by a routine inspection at the company’s production facility in Ghent. The affected products carry production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE, including Fuze Tea, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium urged consumers to refrain from drinking these products and to return them for a refund.
“We are in communication with the relevant authorities in each affected market,” the company added in its statement.
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