Coca-Cola orders large-scale recall in Europe over chlorate risk

Coca-Cola is recalling many of its drinks in Europe after finding dangerous levels of a chemical called chlorate. This recall affects popular drinks like Coke and Sprite.

The problem was discovered in Belgium and affects drinks sold in six European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, France, and Luxembourg. These drinks have been on store shelves since November.

The company admits this is a huge recall, saying: “We do not have a precise figure, but it is clear that it is a considerable quantity.”

Chlorate is a chemical that comes from chlorine, which is commonly used to clean water and process food. This matters because health experts (specifically the European Food Safety Authority) warned back in 2015 that children exposed to chlorate for long periods could face health risks, especially if they don’t get enough iodine in their diet.

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Coca-Cola said it is working to fix the problem. “The majority of the affected and unsold products have already been removed from store shelves and we continue to take measures to remove all remaining products from the market,” it stated.

However, there’s some confusion about the risk level. In France, Coca-Cola says experts found the health risk is “very low” and that no customers have complained about getting sick.

The affected products include several popular beverages such as Coke, Sprite, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, Tropico, and Fuze Tea. If you’re wondering which drinks might be affected, check the production code on the bottle or can – if it’s between 328 GE and 338 GE, it’s part of the recall. The problem was found during a routine check at Coca-Cola’s factory in Ghent, Belgium, and the company is working with government authorities in all affected countries.