Coca-Cola drinks recalled in 3 European countries due to high chlorate levels
Coca-Cola’s European bottling unit has ordered a major recall in three countries after finding a high level of a thyroid-disrupting chemical in some soft drinks.
The recall applies to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, though limited quantities of the drinks were also sent to other countries, according to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, which handles bottling and distribution in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia.
The affected products – reportedly including Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico, and Minute Maid brands – contain a higher level of chlorate, which originates from chlorine disinfectants widely used in food processing and water treatment.
High levels of chlorate in food and drinking water can pose health risks by interfering with the thyroid’s iodine intake, temporarily changing thyroid hormone levels.
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It’s particularly risky for people with thyroid disorders, babies, and children, but one-time exposure “has only a negligible effect,” according to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.
The European Union has rules on the maximum level of chlorate residue that is allowed in food.
A Coca-Cola Europacific Partners spokesperson told Euronews Health that “independent expert analysis has concluded that the likelihood of any associated risk for consumers is very low”.
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The affected drinks have production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE. These codes can be found on the bottom of the soda can or on the neck of the bottle.
The spokesperson said the firm is in contact with authorities in other European countries where the drinks were shipped, but that no other recalls have been initiated.
The company “considers the quality and safety of its products as its top priority,” the spokesperson said.
Last year, Coca-Cola in Austria recalled millions of plastic bottles over concerns that they may have contained metal fragments.
