Coca-Cola has recalled several of its drinks in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands due to “higher levels” of chlorate, a chemical used in water treatment and food processing.
The company confirmed that a small number of affected products had also been shipped to Britain but have since been sold.
The recall includes drinks from popular brands such as Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico, and Minute Maid, according to Coca-Cola’s Belgium bottling and distribution branch. Chlorate can result from the use of chlorine-based disinfectants in production processes. While Coca-Cola has emphasized that the associated risk to consumers is “very low,” it has alerted authorities and is collaborating with them to address the issue.
In Britain, the affected products involve a limited number of imported cans of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero, identified by production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, which are printed on the base of the cans. Anne Gravett from the Food Standards Agency confirmed that the agency is investigating and assured consumers that necessary actions will be taken if any unsafe food is identified.
Exposure to high levels of chlorate has been linked to health concerns, particularly thyroid problems in children and infants. Nutritionist Caron Grazette raised broader concerns, stating, “We need to question whether or not we want to digest chemicals in soft drinks that are also used in fireworks and disinfectants, however small the quantity.” Chlorate’s effects on humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced oxygen absorption in the blood when consumed in excess.
The elevated levels of chlorate were discovered during routine quality testing at Coca-Cola’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium. According to reports from the AFP news agency, most of the unsold products have already been withdrawn from shelves, and the company is working to remove any remaining stock.
Coca-Cola reiterated its commitment to product safety and quality in a statement, saying, “We consider the quality and safety of our products as our top priority.” The company assured customers that it is taking all necessary steps to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
