Coca-Cola recalls drinks from shops, cafes and restaurants amid chlorate risk

Coca-Cola has recalled a number of drinks from shops, cafes and restaurants amid an investigation into higher levels of a disinfectant chemical.

The drinks giant had already recalled products in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands after testing revealed “elevated levels” of chlorate.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed there had been limited distribution of the affected products to the UK.

Coca-Cola is recalling tall, imported cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero, which were only sent to cafes and restaurants.

“A small number” of imported cans of 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks which were sent only to supermarkets in the UK have also been recalled.

UK & International

What is chlorate and why are Coca-Cola products being recalled?

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed there had been limited distribution of the affected products to the UK..

The majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted, the company said.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners said: “Following ongoing dialogue with the UK Food Standards Agency, we are recalling a small number of imported cans of 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks which were sent only to supermarkets in the UK.

“We are also removing a small amount of tall, imported cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero, which were sent only to cafes and restaurants during a limited time period.

“All affected cans have the production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE, which can be found on the base of the can.

“The majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted.

“Whilst independent analysis concluded that the likelihood of any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low, for the reassurance of consumers, we encourage anyone with an affected can to please call our customer service team on 0800 227711 who will be able to help.

“No other Coca-Cola products are affected by the issue.

“The quality and safety of our products is our top priority and we’re sorry that on this occasion, a small number of our products have not met our high standards, and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.”

Tina Potter of the FSA said: “We are working with relevant authorities and the business directly to assess if there is a food safety concern for UK consumers.

“If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”

Customers who purchased the affected products are being asked not to consume them and should call Coca-Cola’s customer service team on 0800 227711 for assistance.

What is chlorate and what risks does it pose?

According to Food Standards Scotland, chlorate, a by-product of chlorine-based sanitisers used to sterilise water, can lead to iodine deficiency and is subject to strict legal limits in foods.

It was discovered in 2014 by an official control laboratory by coincidence.

A year later, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warned that chlorate levels in food and drinking water were too high.

It was said this could pose health risks, especially for infants and children, including thyroid problems caused by reduced iodine absorption.

This can have serious heath implications, including lowered red blood cell counts and a changed composition of the components of bone marrow.

Another group at risk is pregnant women who also have thyroid function disorders.

A single high intake of chlorate, (as an acute exposure), could limit the body’s ability to absorb oxygen from the blood, and could in severe cases lead to kidney failure.