Coca-Cola, Sprite and Appletiser cans recalled in UK after chemical found in testing
A small number of Coca-Cola, Sprite and Appletiser cans in the UK have been recalled.
It comes after high levels of a chemical by-product from chlorine disinfectants were found in some of the drinks in overseas tests.
Batches of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero were pulled from shelves in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands after testing revealed "elevated levels" of chlorate, according to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
It said the UK recall affects a "small amount" of 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 during a limited time period.
It also includes a "small number" of imported cans of 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks which were sent only to supermarkets in the UK.
All affected cans have production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE, which can be found on the base of the can.
Chlorate is a by-product of the breakdown of chlorine-based sanitisers and chlorine chemicals, which are often used to sterilise water.
It can cause iodine deficiency in people and is regulated with legal maximum residue limits for a range of foods, including fresh produce, according to Food Standards Scotland.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners said: "The majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the UK are not impacted."
It added: "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."
It apologised as it admitted a "small number of our products have not met our high standards". It has also been talking to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) about the matter.
On Tuesday, the FSA said there had been a "limited distribution to the UK" of Coca-Cola soft drinks containing higher levels of chlorate.
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 inhibited iodine uptake.
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