Coca-Cola has recalled several drinks including Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke and Appletiser in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands due to elevated levels of chlorate, a chemical by-product of water sterilisation. The recall affects products with production codes between 328 GE and 338 GE.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched an investigation to determine whether any of the affected products have reached the UK market. The FSA said on Monday it was working to ensure any unsafe food is removed and consumers alerted.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners stated that the recall is focused on the three European countries, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn. The company said routine testing identified the elevated chlorate levels, but stressed that independent expert analysis concluded the risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming the drinks is very low.
Chlorate can cause iodine deficiency and impair thyroid function, particularly in infants and children, according to the European Food Safety Authority. In 2015, the authority found that chlorate levels in drinking water and foods were too high, posing potential serious health effects.
The FSA's Anne Gravett confirmed the agency is investigating whether any Coca-Cola products with higher chlorate levels are on sale in the UK. Coca-Cola said it has not received any consumer complaints in Great Britain and is cooperating with authorities.
