The drink giant is recalling several of its canned drinks because they may contain elevated levels of Chlorate.
As a result, the drinks pose a “food safety risk”, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned.
An FSA spokesman said: “This product may contain elevated levels of chlorate. This poses a low food safety concern, especially when consumed only occasionally.
Discontinued UK Sweets/Chocolates
“However adverse health effects cannot be ruled out for consumers sensitive to Chlorate, in particular young children and consumers with pre-existing medical conditions such as thyroid deficiency, blood conditions, especially anaemia, or those with kidney diseases.
“Long term consumption of chlorate can lead to the inhibition of iodine uptake, this could potentially cause adverse health effects such as goitre.
“A single high intake of chlorate, (as an acute exposure), could limit the body’s ability to absorb oxygen from the blood, and could in severe cases lead to kidney failure.
“If you have bought any of the above products, as a precaution, do not consume them. Instead, consumers with who have purchased the affected product should call Coca-Cola’s customer service team on 0800 227711 for assistance.”
Coca-Cola drinks recalled
The recall does not affect standard dimension cans, glass or plastic bottles sold in the UK, only tall cans.
These are the drinks being recalled by Coca-Cola.
- Coca-Cola 330ml tall can with a best before date of November 30 and a batch code of 0008912462
- Diet Coke 330ml tall can with a best before date of May 31 and a batch code of 0008913820
- Coca Cola Zero 330ml tall can with a best before date of May 31 and a batch code of 0008913954
- Sprite Zero 330ml tall can with a best before date of June 30 and a batch code of 0008913247
- Appletiser 6x250ml multipack with best before dates of November 30 and December 31 and batch codes of 0008905850 and 0008908477.
Only production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE are included in the product recall.
Coca-Cola apologises to customers
A spokesman for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners added: “Following ongoing dialogue with the UK Food Standards Agency, we are recalling a small number of imported cans of 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks which were sent only to supermarkets in the UK.
“We are also removing a small amount of tall, imported cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero, which were sent only to cafes and restaurants during a limited time period.
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“All affected cans have the production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE, which can be found on the base of the can. The majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted.
“Whilst independent analysis concluded that the likelihood of any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low, for the reassurance of consumers, we encourage anyone with an affected can to please call our customer service team on 0800 227711 who will be able to help.
“No other Coca-Cola products are affected by the issue.
“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.”
What is a product recall?
If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).
The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.
In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.
This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.
