The Coca-Cola Company has ordered a major recall from European markets after high levels of chlorate found in Coke, Sprite, and other beverages. This level of chloride can pose health risks.
In a statement, the company said cans and glass bottles containing elevated levels of the substance were distributed in Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November.
“We do not have a precise figure, but it is clear that it is a considerable quantity,” the company said of the drinks involved.
Chlorate can be found in foods as it derives from chlorine disinfectants that are that are widely used in water treatment and food processing.
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.
“The majority of the affected and unsold products have already been removed from store shelves and we continue to take measures to remove all remaining products from the market,” Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium said.
But the company’s French branch said analysis by independent experts “concluded that the probability of an associated risk” was “very low”.
“We have not received any complaints from consumers on this subject,” the firm said.
Affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea were delivered in France but for the moment the recall order did not apply to the French market, it added.
