UK's food agency investigates Coca-Cola products for high levels of chlorate

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched an investigation into whether any Coca-Cola products on the UK market contain high levels of chlorate.

It comes after the Coke manufacturer has already recalled drinks in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands after testing revealed “elevated levels” of the chemical.

Chlorate, a by-product of chlorine-based sanitisers used to sterilise water, can lead to iodine deficiency and is subject to strict legal limits in foods like fresh produce, according to Food Standards Scotland.

The company’s bottling partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said it had received “no consumer complaints or concerns in Great Britain”.

“The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale,” it said in a statement.

“Routine testing identified that certain products contained elevated levels of chlorate.

“Independent expert analysis concluded that the likelihood of any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low.

“This has affected a very small number of imported cans of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero with production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE, which can be found on the base of the can.”

Anne Gravett of the FSA 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.”

In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority warned that chlorate levels in food and drinking water were too high, posing health risks, especially for infants and children.

These risks included thyroid problems caused by reduced iodine absorption.