Coca-Cola is massively recalling its products in Europe due to increased chlorate content
The European division of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has announced a large-scale recall of drinks in six European countries due to the discovery of elevated levels of chlorate, which can pose a potential health threat. About this informs France 24.
The problem was discovered during a routine inspection at a manufacturing facility in Ghent, Belgium. The recall affects products in cans and glass bottles sold since November in Belgium, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, France and Luxembourg.
The company said the exact number of drinks being recalled is unknown, but it is significant. The affected products had production codes between 328 GE and 338 GE and included Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, Tropico, Fuze Tea, Coke and Sprite brands. Most of the drinks that have not yet reached consumers have already been removed from store shelves.
Coca-Cola’s French subsidiary stressed that independent experts assessed the risk to consumers as “very low” and that no complaints had been received from customers. The company apologized for the situation and is cooperating with the supervisory authorities.
Chlorate, a byproduct of the use of chlorine disinfectants for water treatment and food processing, can be dangerous with prolonged exposure. According to the European Food Safety Agency’s 2015 findings, this can be particularly dangerous for iodine-deficient children.
