The recall includes cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero that were distributed to cafes and restaurants…reports Asian Lite News
A range of Coca-Cola products has been recalled in the UK after the company’s bottling partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, detected “elevated levels” of a chemical known as chlorate. The recall includes cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero that were distributed to cafes and restaurants. Additionally, 6x250ml multipacks of Appletiser, sold in UK supermarkets, have also been withdrawn from shelves.
The recall follows a broader withdrawal of Coca-Cola products across Europe earlier in the week. On Monday, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners announced a major product recall in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands after routine testing at a production facility in Ghent, Belgium, revealed higher-than-acceptable levels of chlorate. While the company has assured consumers that the risk of illness is “very low,” it has nonetheless taken precautionary steps to remove affected products from circulation.
Products and Batch Codes Affected
The affected Coca-Cola cans bear production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, which are printed on their base. According to Coca-Cola, the majority of its UK product range remains unaffected. Standard cans, as well as all glass and plastic bottle variants sold in the country, have not been impacted by the recall.
Although the company initially stated that only five product lines had been shipped to the UK, it later expanded its recall efforts after discussions with the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). Coca-Cola emphasized that it had taken swift action and alerted the relevant authorities upon discovering the issue.
Chlorate and Potential Health Risks
Chlorate is a byproduct that can form when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing. While chlorate is commonly found in trace amounts in treated water, elevated levels of the chemical can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and infants.
Exposure to high levels of chlorate has been associated with thyroid dysfunction, which can disrupt hormone production. In extreme cases, excessive chlorate intake may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. However, Coca-Cola has downplayed the likelihood of serious health issues, reiterating that the risk to consumers is minimal.
NHS and private nutritionist Caron Grazette raised concerns about the presence of chlorate in soft drinks. “We need to question whether or not we want to digest chemicals in soft drinks that are also used in the production of fireworks and disinfectants, however small the quantity,” she said. Grazette also pointed to recent research that has linked chlorate ingestion with adverse health effects.
Despite these concerns, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has reassured consumers that independent expert analysis concluded the likelihood of individuals experiencing negative effects from consuming the affected beverages is extremely low.
Company Response
Coca-Cola has issued an apology for the incident, stating that product safety remains its top priority. “The quality and safety of our products is our top priority and we’re sorry that on this occasion, a small number of our products have not met our high standards,” the company said in a statement. “We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.”
Customers who have purchased the recalled Coca-Cola products are being advised to check the production codes on their cans. If they find they have an affected product, they are encouraged not to consume it and to contact Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for further guidance on refunds or replacements.
Wider Impact
This recall has raised broader questions about quality control in the food and beverage industry, particularly regarding water treatment processes and chemical safety. Coca-Cola’s recall is one of several high-profile cases in recent years where contaminants have been discovered in food and drink products during routine testing.
The incident also highlights the importance of stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight. In response to the recall, the UK Food Standards Agency has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that food and drink manufacturers adhere to strict safety protocols. The agency is expected to monitor Coca-Cola’s ongoing handling of the situation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Market Impact
Public reaction to the recall has been mixed, with some consumers expressing concern over the potential health risks associated with chlorate exposure. Others have appreciated Coca-Cola’s transparency and swift action in addressing the issue. On social media, some customers have voiced frustration over the recall’s impact on businesses, particularly cafes and restaurants that rely heavily on Coca-Cola products for their beverage sales.
Financial analysts suggest that while the recall is unlikely to have a long-term effect on Coca-Cola’s brand reputation, it may result in short-term disruptions in sales and distribution. Similar recalls in the past have demonstrated that major brands can recover quickly if they handle the situation efficiently and maintain consumer trust through open communication.
Ongoing Monitoring
Coca-Cola has stated that it will continue to work closely with food safety authorities and health agencies to monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary corrective measures are taken. The company has also indicated that it will conduct a review of its production processes to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
For now, consumers in the UK are urged to remain vigilant and check their Coca-Cola purchases against the affected batch numbers. Anyone experiencing unusual symptoms after consuming Coca-Cola products is advised to seek medical attention, although the likelihood of severe reactions remains low.
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