Coca-Cola has been recalled in Europe and the UK due to chemical contamination. In Belgium and Luxembourg, the recall covers Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Fuse Tea, Minute Maid, Nal, Royal Bliss and Tropico branded products in cans and returnable glass bottles with production codes 328 GE to 338 GE.
Other packaging formats such as PET plastic bottles, beverage dispensers and Tetra Packs are not affected. Consumers are asked to return affected products to their place of purchase for a refund.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the following products, which were distributed specifically for cafes and restaurants, have been removed from distribution: Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero.
In addition, six-packs of 250ml Appletisers sold in supermarkets are also subject to the recall. Coca-Cola said the majority of its UK products, including standard cans and all glass and plastic bottles, remain safe to drink.
Chlorates, produced by the use of chlorine disinfectants in water treatment and food processing, have been linked to thyroid problems, particularly in children and infants.
NHS and private nutritionist Caron Grassett told the BBC: “We need to ask ourselves whether we want to digest even trace amounts of chemicals used in the production of soft drinks and fireworks, disinfectants.”
She also said that consuming too much chlorate can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a reduction in the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Despite these concerns, Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners has assured consumers that the health risks remain minimal.
“Analysis by independent experts has concluded that the risk of experiencing temporary discomfort from consuming these products is very low,” the company said.
