Coca-Cola issues widespread recall across Europe over elevated chlorate levels

LONDON: Coca-Cola has initiated a recall of its beverages in several European countries after discovering elevated levels of the chemical chlorate. The company reported on Monday that cans and glass bottles containing higher concentrations of this substance were distributed in Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands since November.

Five product lines were shipped to the UK at the end of last year and have already been sold. The affected brands include Coke, Fanta, Minute Maid, Sprite, and Tropico, as confirmed by the Belgian branch of Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operation, reported the BBC.

Chlorate can be present in food due to its origins in chlorine disinfectants used in water treatment and food processing. High exposure levels of this chemical compound may lead to health issues, particularly thyroid problems, with a heightened risk for children and infants. The European Food Safety Authority highlighted in a 2015 report that long-term chlorate exposure could pose health risks for children, especially those with mild or moderate iodine deficiency.

A spokesperson for Coca-Cola said, “Independent expert analysis concludes that any associated risk for consumers is very low.” While affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea were delivered in France, the recall order currently does not extend to the French market. The company stated it had not received any consumer complaints in the UK and is cooperating with authorities on this issue.

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While the exact quantity of affected drinks remains unspecified, the firm acknowledged that it is substantial. The elevated chlorate levels were detected during routine testing at the company’s production facility in Ghent, northwest Belgium, as reported by AFP. Most of the unsold affected products have been pulled from shelves, and the company is actively working to remove the remaining items from the market. Coca-Cola emphasized that ensuring the quality and safety of its products is its highest priority.

Anne Gravett of the UK’s Food Standards Agency stated that investigations are ongoing, and added, “If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”