Coca-Cola has initiated an urgent recall of its products due to concerns regarding the presence of elevated levels of chlorate, a chemical by-product.

This decision was made following the identification of increased chemical concentrations in beverages marketed across various European countries.

The Food Standards Agency has concurrently launched an investigation into the affected products.

As part of this recall, several items, including Fuze Tea, Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Tropico, and others have been withdrawn from sale after testing indicated elevated chlorate levels.

Chlorate arises from the degradation of chlorine-based sanitizers and chemicals commonly employed for water sterilization.

Regulatory guidelines establish legal maximum residue limits for a variety of food items, including fresh produce.

Excessive chlorate exposure may lead to iodine deficiency, as noted by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.

The recall has impacted various products stored in both cans and bottles across Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, including the light and zero-calorie variants.

Coca-Cola management in Belgium has stated that although they are uncertain about the exact quantity of affected beverages, it has been characterized as a significant volume.

However, they confirmed that the majority of the unsold products have been appropriately removed from distribution.

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“The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale.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

Coca-Cola said it had not received any consumer complaints in Great Britain, and it had “alerted the authorities on this matter and will continue to collaborate with them”.

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.