Coca-Cola’s European bottling unit has initiated a massive recall of popular beverages including Coke, Sprite, and Fanta after detecting dangerous levels of chlorate during routine checks at their Ghent production facility. The recall spans six European countries – Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, France, and Luxembourg – affecting products distributed since late November.
The contamination poses serious health risks, as high chlorate intake can impair the blood’s oxygen absorption capacity and potentially lead to kidney failure. Children, particularly those with iodine deficiencies, are especially vulnerable to long-term exposure.
While the exact quantity of affected beverages hasn’t been disclosed, company officials described it as “considerable.” The recall also extends to other brands including Fuze Tea, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico, with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium has apologized for the incident and is working with authorities across affected markets. Consumers are urged not to consume these products and to return them to their point of purchase for a refund. The company reports that most affected products have already been removed from store shelves, with efforts continuing to clear remaining inventory from the market.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.