Coca-Cola recall full list as Food Standards Agency issues update

The Food Standards Agency has issued an urgent update after Coca-Cola recalled a number of drinks which may be contaminated with the chemical chlorate. Coca-Cola is taking the precautionary step of recalling a small number of its soft drinks range because they may contain elevated levels of chlorate.

Chlorate poses a low food safety risk when only consumed occasionally, but people who are sensitive to chlorate and have pre-existing iodine deficiency may be more badly affected. 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, which 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.

A Coca Cola spokesman said: ” 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.

“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.”

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is recalling the products as a precaution. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling the drinks. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and what to do if they have bought the products.

A Food Standards Agency spokesman said: ” If you have bought any of the 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.”

Standard dimension cans, all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted. In addition to the batch codes and the best before, it is important for consumers to also check the production codes that can be found on the bottom of the can.

Only production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE are included in the product recall.

Product details

Appletiser 100% Apple Juice Gently Sparkling

Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Coca Cola Zero

Sprite Zero

About product recalls and withdrawals

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 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 action to be taken on behalf of consumers.