A large-scale recall of Coca-Cola beverages has been initiated in several European countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, due to elevated levels of a chemical called chlorate.
Coca-Cola’s European bottling unit announced the urgent withdrawal of certain drinks on Monday after detecting high chlorate levels during routine quality checks at its bottling plant in Ghent, Belgium.
The affected products include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and other drinks with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Food Standards Agency has begun an investigation to see if any Coca-Cola products with high chlorate levels are being sold in the UK.
Chlorate, a chemical often used in water treatment and food processing, has been linked to kidney and thyroid problems.
Regulatory bodies in the impacted countries have issued warnings, advising consumers not to drink the recalled products.
The European Food Safety Authority has highlighted that prolonged exposure to chlorate could pose health risks, especially for children with mild or moderate iodine deficiency.
Coca-Cola confirmed that a “significant quantity” of drinks is affected but did not specify the exact amount.
The company assured that most of the affected products have already been removed from store shelves.
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration warned that children are especially vulnerable, while the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority urged people to avoid drinking the recalled products.
As the situation develops, other European countries are assessing Coca-Cola products for possible contamination.
An independent expert analysis has determined that the risk to consumers is “very low,” according to a company spokesperson.
The recall has raised concerns about the safety of Coca-Cola products, prompting many consumers to voice their frustration on social media.
The Ghent bottling facility processes 66,000 glass bottles and 120,000 cans per hour, operating around the clock.
