Coca-Cola has announced the recall of several of its soft drink products across Europe due to the discovery of elevated levels of chlorate in certain bottles and cans at one of its manufacturing facilities located in Belgium.
Among the affected products are well-known beverages such as Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Minute Maid, and Fuze Tea, with the company stating that the recall applies to quantities sold in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Specifically, the recall impacts drinks bearing production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE.
In addition to the main countries impacted, the company is in communication with authorities in a few other European nations, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. However, it has confirmed that only a small number of items were shipped to those regions, and no recall has been initiated there.
As part of the response, health officials in Denmark, Portugal, and Romania have been alerted through the European Union’s rapid alert system to assess whether potentially contaminated beverages have reached retail shelves or vending machines. The situation has been classified as a “serious” risk.
Chlorate, the chemical in question, typically originates from chlorine-based disinfectants utilized in the water treatment processes for food production. It is associated with various health concerns, particularly as it can disrupt the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which is vital for children’s development.
Coca-Cola traced the contamination issue to a specific container used during the water treatment at its Ghent facility while performing regular safety checks. In light of the findings, the company advises consumers to refrain from consuming any drinks from the affected batches and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund. They have expressed their apologies to consumers and business partners regarding the incident.
Health experts indicate that significant consumption of products tainted with chlorate is necessary for adverse effects like vomiting or other severe illnesses to occur. Philippe Jorens, a professor specializing in poisons and critical care at Antwerp University Hospital, explained to Belgian media that it is highly unlikely for consumers to ingest the large amounts required to experience negative health effects, suggesting that one would need to consume numerous bottles to possibly notice any consequences.
