A variety of Coca-Cola products, including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero, have been recalled in the United Kingdom after routine testing detected elevated levels of chlorate, BBC News reported.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the company’s bottling partner, confirmed the recall but assured consumers that the risk of experiencing temporary illness from consuming the affected products is “very low.”
“The quality and safety of our products is our top priority. We regret that a small number of our products have not met our high standards, and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused,” the company stated.
The recall also includes 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks distributed to UK supermarkets. The affected products were mainly supplied to cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets.
The impacted Coca-Cola cans can be identified by production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, printed on their base. However, the company clarified that most Coca-Cola products sold in the UK, including standard cans and all glass and plastic bottles, are unaffected.
This recall follows similar product withdrawals in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands earlier this week after elevated chlorate levels were detected at Coca-Cola’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium.
Speaking to the BBC, nutritionist Caron Grazette raised concerns about the presence of such chemicals in beverages. “We should consider whether we want to consume chemicals that are also used in disinfectants and fireworks, even in small amounts,” she said.
Grazette also cited research indicating that excessive chlorate intake can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hinder the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen. Her remarks reflect growing scrutiny over the use of certain chemicals in food and beverage production.
