Coca-Cola recalls drinks over safety concerns with investigation launched by Food Standards Agency
COCA-COLA products are under investigation in the UK after a recall in several European countries due to concerns about chemicals.
The Food Standards Agency has confirmed it is investigating if any Coca-Cola products in the UK have high levels of chlorate.
It comes after the drinks company recalled products in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands over concerns about excessive levels of the chemical.
It was discovered during routine testing at a production facility in Ghent, Belgium.
Chlorate can cause iodine deficiency in consumers and so it is regulated by authorities with maximum legal residue limits for a range of food products, according to Food Standards Scotland.
The chemical is a by-product of chlorine-based sanitisers and chlorine chemicals used to sterilise water which breakdown and leave chlorate behind.
Anne Gravett from the Food Standards Agency said on Monday evening: “The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating if any Coca-Cola products containing ‘higher levels’ of a chemical called chlorate are on the UK market.
“If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”
Coca-Cola noted that just five product lines were shipped to Britain at the end of 2024 and have already been sold.
According to Coca-Cola’s bottling branch in Belgium, the affected products are Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico and Minute Maid.
When a Coca-Cola spokesperson was asked by GB News about the number of impacted products, they said: “We do not have a precise figure, but it is clear that it is a considerable quantity.”
While most unsold products have been withdrawn from shelves, the company is still working on recalling the rest.
Concerns are especially high about the impact the chemical could have on children.
In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority discovered high levels of chlorate in drinking water and foods sparking health concerns for the public, notably children and infants.
The Agency said: “A high intake of chlorate on a single day could be toxic for humans as it can limit the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen, leading to kidney failure.”
With its impact on iodine, the chlorate can cause impaired functioning of the thyroid as well as other health issues.
NHS and private nutritionist Caron Grazette told the BBC that the symptoms of excessive intake of the chemical include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
It can also cause skin irritation and breathing issues.
But a Coca-Cola spokesperson told the outlet: “Independent expert analysis concludes that any associated risk for consumers is very low.”
The business added that no consumer complaints have been made in Great Britain and that the authorities have been alerted to this matter.
Coca-Cola “will continue to collaborate with them” and reiterated that it “considers the quality and safety of its products as its top priority.”
Meanwhile, a major supermarket has issued an urgent recall of chicken kievs and burgers due to salmonella fears.
Shoppers can get a full refund for affected products.