Coca-Cola Withdraws UK Products Amid Chemical Risk Warning

Coca-Cola has recalled a range of its products in the UK after its bottling partner detected "elevated levels" of chlorate, a chemical commonly associated with water treatment and food processing.

The recall affects cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero distributed to cafés and restaurants, as well as 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks sold in UK supermarkets.

The announcement follows a broader European recall earlier this week, which saw Coca-Cola products pulled from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands on Monday.

Extent of the Recall

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the company’s bottling partner, emphasized that the risk of contamination is very low.

The affected products carry production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE on their base. However, the majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles, remain unaffected.

The elevated levels of chlorate were discovered during routine testing at Coca-Cola’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium, according to an unnamed company spokesperson quoted by the AFP news agency.

Initially, Coca-Cola stated that only five product lines had been shipped to Britain and had already been sold, adding that it had alerted authorities. However, following discussions with the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), the company confirmed a UK recall on Wednesday.

Health Risks and Concerns

Chlorate is produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing. Exposure to high levels of chlorate can lead to thyroid issues, particularly in children and infants.

Nutritionist Caron Grazette raised concerns about the presence of chemicals in soft drinks. She stated:

"We need to question whether we want to ingest chemicals used in fireworks and disinfectants, however small the amount."

She cited research indicating that excessive chlorate consumption can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and impair the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen.

Coca-Cola’s Response

Despite these concerns, Coca-Cola reassured consumers that the health risk remains minimal.

"Independent expert analysis concluded that any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low," Coca-Cola Europacific Partners stated.

The company also issued an apology:

"The quality and safety of our products is our top priority. We regret that on this occasion, a small number of our products did not meet our high standards, and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused."

Coca-Cola has advised customers to check the production codes on their cans and return affected products if necessary.