In a precautionary move, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced a recall of a limited number of its soft drink products in Britain due to the potential presence of elevated levels of chlorate.
This recall in Britain is part of a larger action taken by CCEP across Europe. Earlier this week, the company announced a significant recall of Coca-Cola, Sprite, and other beverages in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Luxembourg due to similar concerns about elevated chlorate levels.
While the company noted that the risk to food safety is low, particularly for occasional consumers, individuals sensitive to chlorate - especially those with mild to moderate iodine deficiency - may face heightened health risks.
The recall affects specific batches of Appletiser 6x250ml cans and 330 ml ‘tall’ imported cans of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Sprite Zero, which were sent only to cafés and restaurants.
The company said standard-sized cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted. Consumers are also urged to check the production codes on the bottom of the cans, as only products with codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE are included in the recall.
Batch codes and best-before dates for the affected products are as follows:
- Appletiser 100% Apple Juice Gently Sparkling (6 x 250ml multipack): Batch codes 0008905850 and 0008908477; best before 30 November 2025 and 31 December 2025.
- Coca-Cola (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008912462; best before 30 November 2025.
- Diet Coke (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913820; best before 31 May 2025.
- Coca-Cola Zero (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913954; best before 31 May 2025.
- Sprite Zero (330ml tall can): Batch code 0008913247; best before 30 June 2025.
Chlorate, a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants used in water treatment and food processing, can inhibit iodine uptake in the body when consumed over long periods. This may lead to adverse health effects such as goitre, particularly in individuals with pre-existing thyroid deficiencies. Acute exposure to high levels of chlorate could also impair the body’s ability to absorb oxygen from the blood and, in severe cases, result in kidney failure.
CCEP has issued point-of-sale notices to retail stores to inform customers about the recall and provide guidance on what to do if they have purchased the affected products.
Shoppers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them. They should call Coca-Cola's customer service team on 0800 227711 for assistance.
