Belgium: Coca-Cola recalls Coke, Sprite, and Minute Maid across multiple European countries. The move comes after routine checks at a production facility in Ghent, Belgium, showed high levels of chlorate, a chemical that poses health risks.
The recall, which started in November, affects products sold in Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, France, and Luxembourg. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners confirmed the widespread nature of the recall, saying, “We don’t have an exact number, but it is clear it is a significant amount.”
Chlorate: A Hidden Risk
Chlorate, a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants widely used in food processing and water treatment, carries health risks, especially for children with iodine deficiencies. The European Food Safety Authority has cautioned that too much exposure to chlorate can cause thyroid problems, nausea, vomiting, and a reduced ability to absorb oxygen from the blood.
Nutritionist Caron Grazette warned of the potential hazards, noting that chlorate is found in fireworks and some disinfectants and raises food safety issues when detected in food products. Despite these risks, Coca-Cola said an independent review concluded that the danger to consumers was ”very low.”
Affected Products and Batches
The recall includes several Coca-Cola brands:
Coke
Sprite
Minute Maid
Fuze Tea
Nalu
Royal Bliss
Tropico
The affected products have manufacturing codes between 328 and 338 GE. Coca-Cola is still pulling such items from store shelves, as many unsold products have already been removed.
Country-Specific Impact
This has been a widespread recall in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, covering multiple product categories. Five other affected product lines had already been sent to Britain before the recall. In France, batches were identified as affected by Fuze Tea and Coke but were not yet recalled in the French market due to the low risk involved. So far, no customer complaints have been made in any affected territories. Coca-Cola stressed its support for the relevant authorities in each nation in addressing the matter.
Safety First, Says Coca-Cola
The recall came after a routine quality inspection at one of Coca-Cola’s Ghent production facilities. The company emphasised that consumer safety and product quality remain its highest priorities. “We alerted the authorities to this matter and will continue to cooperate with them,” said a Coca-Cola representative. The recall has many on edge due to assurances of chemical residue on food and beverages. Coca-Cola has apologised for the incident and pledged to take immediate corrective measures.
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