Coca-Cola has initiated a recall of several drink products in the UK due to elevated chlorate levels discovered during routine testing. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the bottling partner for the firm, has assured that the risk of illness remains "very low." The recall affects cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero distributed to cafes and restaurants, as well as 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks sent to UK supermarkets.
The issue arose from the production facility in Ghent, Belgium, where higher chlorate levels were detected. Chlorate can form when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing. Excessive chlorate intake may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced oxygen absorption in the blood.
"Independent expert analysis concluded that any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low," – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
The recall in the UK follows a similar action in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands earlier this week. Coca-Cola confirmed that only five product lines had been shipped to Britain, and these had already been sold. Most Coca-Cola products, including standard cans and all glass and plastic bottles available in the UK, remain unaffected.
"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," – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
The affected cans can be identified by production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE on their base. The company confirmed it is working closely with the UK Food Standards Agency regarding this recall. This step is a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety and maintain product standards.
Nutritionist Caron Grazette commented on the situation, raising concerns about chemical usage in consumable products.
"We need to question whether or not we want to digest chemicals in soft drinks which are used in the production of fireworks and disinfectants, however small the quantity," – NHS and private nutritionist Caron Grazette