Coca-Cola has recalled a variety of soft drinks from 10 countries because of chemical contamination.
Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners said the recall was due to high levels of chlorate. Chlorate is a by-product of chlorine disinfectants. The issue came to light during the company’s own checks at a factory in Belgium.
Action was taken in consultation with the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) in Belgium and the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA).
The recall affects brands in cans and glass bottles with a production code ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE. This covers all variants including Zero and Light of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Fuze Tea, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico.
The production code can be found on the bottom of cans or the neck/label of glass bottles. Cans and bottles with other production codes are not affected. PET plastic bottles or tetra packs are also not affected.
According to ALVA, acute exposure to chlorate can harm health by reducing the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen, which can cause kidney problems. Given the chlorate levels detected in affected products, a risk, especially for children, cannot be excluded.
Distribution includes Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Suriname, and the United Kingdom.
Coca-Cola asked people not to consume products with these codes and to return them to the point of sale to obtain a refund. It also apologized to consumers and business partners.
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