Coca-Cola’s European bottling division announced a significant recall on Monday for Coke, Sprite, and other beverages after detecting harmful levels of chlorate, a substance that could pose health risks.
The company reported that cans and glass bottles containing high levels of chlorate were distributed across Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November, according to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium, as told to AFP.
While the company did not provide an exact number, they acknowledged that the recall involved a significant quantity of drinks.
Chlorate is a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants used in water treatment and food processing.
The European Food Safety Authority noted in 2015 that long-term exposure to chlorate could be a health concern, particularly for children with mild or moderate iodine deficiency.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium assured that most of the affected and unsold products had already been removed from store shelves and they were continuing efforts to remove any remaining products from the market.
However, the company’s French branch stated that independent experts had determined that the potential risk was “very low,” and no consumer complaints had been reported.
The recall only applies to affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea distributed in France, with no recall order currently affecting the French market.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners apologized for the recall, which was discovered during a routine check at their production site in Ghent.
The affected products, which included brands such as Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico, had production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE.
The company also stated that they are working closely with the relevant authorities in each impacted market.
