Coca-Cola has announced the recall of several of its drinks from UK shelves due to elevated levels of chlorate, prompting health warnings from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The recall affects popular beverages including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, and Sprite Zero, which have been flagged for posing potential food safety risks.
The decision to recall these products was made as precautionary measures following health concerns raised about chlorate, which is identified as a by-product of chlorine-based sanitisers often used to purify water. While the FSA categorized the situation as presenting "a low food safety risk", they also stressed potential dangers for consumers sensitive to chlorate, particularly those with iodine deficiencies.
All affected drinks were imported and distributed only to cafes and restaurants, along with being available through select supermarket chains. The specific items recalled include the following:
- Coca-Cola 330ml tall can, batch code: 0008912462, best before date: November 30, 2025
- Diet Coke 330ml tall can, batch code: 0008913820, best before date: May 31, 2025
- Coca-Cola Zero 330ml tall can, batch code: 0008913954, best before date: May 31, 2025
- Sprite Zero 330ml tall can, batch code: 0008913247, best before date: June 30, 2025
- Appletiser 6x250ml multipack, batch codes: 0008905850 and 0008908477, best before dates: November 30 and December 31, 2025
The FSA's announcement highlighted the importance of consumer vigilance, stating: "This product may contain elevated levels of chlorate. This poses a low food safety concern, especially when consumed only occasionally." Nonetheless, the agency cautioned against the potential health risks for certain populations, including young children and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as thyroid issues, anemia, or kidney-related ailments.
According to the FSA, "Long-term consumption of chlorate can lead to the inhibition of iodine uptake, which could potentially cause adverse health effects such as goitre." Warnings were reiterated concerning any acute exposure, indicating significant risk such as limiting the body's oxygen absorption capability, occasionally leading to more severe outcomes like kidney failure.
A spokesperson for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners addressed the recall, stating: "Following our dialogue with the UK Food Standards Agency, we are recalling this limited number of imported cans. The quality and safety of our products is our top priority and we’re sorry... we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused." They affirmed the minor impact of this recall on Coca-Cola’s overall product range, emphasizing, "The majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK, are not impacted by this issue."
To aid customers who may have purchased the products subject to recall, the FSA advises those affected not to consume any of the recalled items. Instead, the agency recommends contacting Coca-Cola's customer service team for assistance at 0800 227711. Coca-Cola encourages consumers to remain informed about their product safety and reassured them of their proactive efforts to manage any quality control issues.
While the probability of health risks from consumption of the recalled drinks is low for the general population, the FSA urges those with existing sensitivities to take this warning seriously. The recall serves as a reminder for both the consumers and corporations of the importance of vigilant product safety practices.
This incident highlights the extent of regulatory oversight on food safety and the company’s commitment to consumer health and safety, as it reminds individuals about the latent risks associated with chlorate exposure.