Coca-Cola Recalls Soft Drinks in Europe Over Elevated Chlorate Levels

The recall affects multiple beverage brands in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with limited distribution to other countries under investigation.

Coca-Cola has recalled several beverages, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Minute Maid, and Fuze Tea, due to high chlorate levels detected at a production facility in Ghent, Belgium.
The recall targets cans and glass bottles with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, primarily distributed in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands since November 2024.
Chlorate, a by-product of chlorine disinfectants used in water treatment, can inhibit iodine absorption and affect thyroid function, particularly in children and infants, though experts suggest health risks are low for typical consumption levels.
Limited quantities of affected products were shipped to the UK, France, and Germany, where investigations and monitoring by food safety authorities are ongoing; no recalls have been issued in these countries yet.
Coca-Cola advises consumers not to drink affected products and to return them for refunds, apologizing for the incident and emphasizing its commitment to product safety.