What is chlorate and why are Coca-Cola products being recalled?

Some Coca-Cola products for sale in the UK have been pulled from the shelves after an investigation into high levels of a chemical called chlorate.

The drinks giant had already recalled products in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands after testing revealed “elevated levels” of chlorate.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed there had been limited distribution of the affected products to the UK.

Coca-Cola is recalling tall, imported cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero, which were only sent to cafes and restaurants.

“A small number” of imported cans of 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks which were sent only to supermarkets in the UK have also been recalled.

Sprite, Fanta and Tropico are among the products affected with an investigation underway by the Food Standards Agency.

The majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted, the company said.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners 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.”

Tina Potter of the FSA said: “We are working with relevant authorities and the business directly to assess if there is a food safety concern for UK consumers.

“If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”

Customers who purchased the affected products are being asked not to consume them and should call Coca-Cola’s customer service team on 0800 227711 for assistance.

What is chlorate and what risks does it pose?

According to Food Standards Scotland, 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.

It was discovered in 2014 by an official control laboratory by coincidence.

A year later, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warned that chlorate levels in food and drinking water were too high.

It was said this could pose health risks, especially for infants and children, including thyroid problems caused by reduced iodine absorption.

This can have serious heath implications, including lowered red blood cell counts and a changed composition of the components of bone marrow.

Another group at risk is pregnant women who also have thyroid function disorders.

How does chlorate end up in food?

According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) sodium and potassium chlorate used to be employed as herbicides.

However, the use of plant protection and biocidal products containing chlorate is no longer permitted in the EU.

Chlorate can occur as a by-product when using chlorinated substances for cleaning or disinfection.

Experts say the main path to being in food is in the course of production of water which has been treated previously with chlorinated biocidal products for disinfection purposes.

Chlorate is frequently detected in deep-frozen vegetables, fruit juices and lettuce and herbs.

The European Food Safety Authority says the repeated intake of chlorate among the younger population with a slight to moderate iodine insufficiency gives cause for concern.

However, a one-time intake is regarded as non-critical.