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

In late January 2025, Coca-Cola initiated a recall of several soft drink products across Europe due to elevated levels of chlorate detected during routine testing at a bottling facility in Ghent, Belgium. The affected products, including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Minute Maid, and Fuze Tea, were distributed in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and, to a lesser extent, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Consumers are advised to check production codes 328 GE to 338 GE on cans and bottles and return any affected products to the point of sale for a refund. Chlorate, a byproduct of water disinfection processes, can inhibit iodine uptake in the thyroid, posing potential health risks, especially to sensitive individuals. While the health risk is considered low, Coca-Cola has taken this precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety.