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Coca-Cola drinks with greater ranges of chemical chlorate HAVE now been discovered within the UK, well being chiefs say – after record of merchandise which have been recalled was revealed

Coca-Cola drinks with higher levels of chemical chlorate have been found in the UK after several of the manufacturer’s products were recalled in parts of Europe. 

The Food Standard Agency (FSA) confirmed there had been a ‘limited distribution’ of Coca-Cola soft drinks containing higher levels of chlorate in the UK.  

‘Elevated levels’ of chlorate were found in several drinks including Fuze Tea, Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Tropico and more in Belgium, Luxembourg as well as the Netherlands

All drinks – stored both in cans and bottles were recalled – including the light and zero versions of the products. 

Chlorate is a by-product of the breakdown of chlorine-based sanitisers and chlorine chemicals, which are frequently used to sterilise water. 

The chemical is regulated with legal maximum residue limits for a range of foods, including fresh produce but can cause iodine deficiency, according to FSA Scotland. 

On Tuesday, Tina Potter of the FSA said Coca-Cola Europacific Partners international product withdrawal related to a ‘small number of their soft drinks’ containing highers levels of chlorate. 

She added that the FSA were working with the appropriate authorities to assess if there was a concern for UK consumers. 

Coca-Cola drinks with higher levels of chemical chlorate in the UK after several of the manufacturer's products were recalled in parts of Europe (file image)

Coca-Cola drinks with higher levels of chemical chlorate in the UK after several of the manufacturer’s products were recalled in parts of Europe (file image)

It comes after Food Standards Agency has launched an investigation into Coca Cola products after the drinks giant recalled products in Europe (file image)

It comes after Food Standards Agency has launched an investigation into Coca Cola products after the drinks giant recalled products in Europe (file image)

‘We can confirm that there has been limited distribution to the UK of the affected products,’ she said.

FULL LIST OF RECALLED COCA-COLA DRINKS IN EUROPE 

  • Coca-Cola  
  • Fanta
  • Minute Maid 
  • Tropico
  • Fuze Tea
  • Sprite
  • Royal Bliss 
  • Appletiser
  • Coca Cola Zero Sugar
  • Diet Coke
  • Sprite Zero 
  • Light and zero versions of other drinks named above drinks were also recalled 

 

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‘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.’

Belgium’s Coca-Cola bosses were previously unsure of the exact number of drinks affected and told AFP that it was ‘a considerable quantity’ but added that the ‘majority affected and unsold products’ had been removed. 

But the company’s French branch said analysis by independent experts ‘concluded that the probability of an associated risk’ was ‘very low’. 

In a previous statement, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners said: ‘The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale.

‘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.

‘We have flagged this issue to the food safety authorities in Great Britain and we remain in communication with them. 

The drinks giant pulled several of its products including Fuze Tea, Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Tropico and more after testing revealed 'elevated levels' of chlorine in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherland (file image)

The drinks giant pulled several of its products including Fuze Tea, Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Tropico and more after testing revealed ‘elevated levels’ of chlorine in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherland (file image)

The FSA have confirmed 'there has been limited distribution to the UK of the affected products'

The FSA have confirmed ‘there has been limited distribution to the UK of the affected products’

MailOnline has approached Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for further comment.

In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority found that levels of chlorate in drinking water and foods were too high and could result in serious health effects, especially among infants and children.

These included impaired functioning of the thyroid due to inhibition of iodine uptake.

‘We have had no consumer complaints or concerns in Great Britain.’

In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority found that levels of chlorate in drinking water and foods were too high and posed serious health risks among infants and children, especially those with mild or moderate iodine deficiency.

These included impaired functioning of the thyroid due to inhibition of iodine uptake.

Other side affects of excessive chlorate ingestion on humans includes, diarrhoea, nausea and limiting the blood’s capacity to absorb oxygen, the BBC reports. 

Caron Grazette, an NHS and private nutritionist told the BBC: ‘We need to question whether or not we want to digest chemicals in soft drinks which are used in the production of fireworks and disinfectants, however small the quantity’.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners previously apologised for the recall in some European countries, which it said was brought to discovered thanks to a routine check at its production site in Ghent.