Coca-Cola is recalling its beverages in several European countries after discovering elevated levels of chlorate, a potential health risk.
The recall affects cans and glass bottles of Coke, Sprite, Fuze Tea, and other drinks sold in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November.
While the company has not disclosed the exact number of affected products, it acknowledged that the recall involves a significant amount. Chlorate, a byproduct of chlorine-based disinfectants used in water purification and food processing, can pose a health risk, particularly for children with mild or moderate iodine deficiency, according to a 2015 opinion from the European Food Safety Authority.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium confirmed that most unsold products have already been removed from store shelves, and efforts continue to withdraw remaining items from the market. The company also stated that independent experts had concluded that the associated risk is “very low,” and no consumer complaints have been reported.
Though some affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea were shipped to France, the recall order has not yet extended to the French market. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners apologized for the recall and assured the public of ongoing measures to resolve the issue.
