Coca-Cola Recalls Products in Europe and the UK Over Chemical Contamination

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belux has issued a recall of several beverage products across Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK due to elevated levels of chlorate, a chemical linked to potential health risks. The recall was triggered after chlorate was detected during routine testing and was announced on January 27, with affected products carrying expiration dates extending into 2025 and 2026.

The affected products include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Fuze Tea, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico in cans and returnable glass bottles, with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE. Notably, other packaging formats like PET plastic bottles, tetra packs, and beverage fountains are unaffected.

In the UK, the recall covers Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite Zero, and 6x250ml multipacks of Appletiser sold in supermarkets. Consumers are advised to check the production codes printed on cans and bottles and return any affected products to the point of purchase for a refund.

Chlorate, a chemical formed when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment, has been associated with thyroid problems, especially in children. While experts like NHS nutritionist Caron Grazette questioned the safety of ingesting small amounts of chemicals commonly used in fireworks and disinfectants, Coca-Cola reassured consumers that the health risks are minimal, with independent analysis concluding that the likelihood of feeling unwell is low.

Despite these reassurances, the recall highlights concerns about chemical exposure in food and beverages. Coca-Cola apologized for the inconvenience caused by the recall and emphasized its commitment to product safety, adding that it is working with regulatory authorities to ensure stricter quality control measures moving forward.

The recall was expanded after elevated chlorate levels were detected at Coca-Cola’s Ghent, Belgium facility and further discussions with the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). While the health risk is considered low, the incident has raised broader questions about food safety regulations in the industry.