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Thursday, February 27, 2025  
29 Shaban 1446  

Coca-Cola recalls popular drinks in UK over elevated chlorate levels

Recall also affects 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks distributed to UK supermarkets
This photograph taken on November 3, 2022 shows packs of Coca-Cola bottles on a supermarket shelf in Septemes-les-Vallons near Marseille. AFP
This photograph taken on November 3, 2022 shows packs of Coca-Cola bottles on a supermarket shelf in Septemes-les-Vallons near Marseille. AFP

A range of Coca-Cola products, including popular beverages like Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero, have been recalled in the United Kingdom after elevated levels of a chemical called chlorate were detected, BBC News reported.

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

“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, and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused,” it said, in a statement.

The recall also affects 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks distributed to UK supermarkets.

The affected products were primarily supplied to cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the company’s bottling partner, confirmed the issue but stated that the risk of illness from consuming the products is “very low.”

The recalled Coca-Cola cans are marked with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE on their base.

According to the company, the majority of Coca-Cola products sold in the UK, including standard cans and all glass and plastic bottles, remain unaffected by the issue.

This UK recall follows a similar withdrawal of Coca-Cola products in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands earlier this week.

The elevated levels of chlorate were detected during routine testing at the company’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium, an unnamed company spokesperson told AFP.

An NHS and private nutritionist, Caron Grazette, spoke to the BBC on Monday, raising concerns about the presence of such chemicals in soft drinks.

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She stated, “We should consider whether we want to consume chemicals in beverages that are also used in the production of disinfectants and fireworks, even if the amounts are small.”

Grazette also highlighted recent research on chlorate, noting that excessive intake can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and can impair the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen. Her comments underscore growing scrutiny over the use of certain chemicals in food and drink production.

Chlorate is a chemical that can form when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment or food processing. High levels of chlorate exposure may lead to health issues, particularly affecting the thyroid, with children and infants being more vulnerable.

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