Coca-Cola recalls drinks in Europe over ‘higher levels’ of chemical chlorate
Coca-Cola recalls drinks in Europe over ‘higher levels’ of chemical chlorate
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Cans and bottles containing the chemical, which can cause health issues, were distributed in Britain at the end of last year. Coca-Cola has recalled its drinks in some countries across Europe after detecting “higher levels” of the chemical chlorate.
Cans and glass bottles containing elevated levels of the substance were distributed in Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg since November, the company said on Monday. It added that five product lines had been shipped to Britain at the end of last year and had already been sold.
Affected products include the Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico and Minute Maid brands, according to the Belgian branch of Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operation. Chlorate can be found in foods as it derives from chlorine disinfectants widely used in water treatment and food processing.
Exposure to high levels of the chemical compound can cause health issues including thyroid problems, especially among children and babies. In a 2015 scientific opinion, the European Food Safety Authority said long-term exposure to chlorate posed a potential health concern for children, especially those with mild or moderate iodine deficiency.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson told the BBC: “Independent expert analysis concludes that any associated risk for consumers is very low.”. Affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea were delivered in France but currently the recall order did not apply to the French market, it added.
