Coca-Cola mass recall in Europe

A major recall of popular soft drinks, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta, has been conducted across several European countries due to the presence of chlorate above the acceptable limits. The initial concern was raised in Belgium, but the withdrawal of glass bottles and cans from supermarkets in the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, France, and Luxembourg has also been implemented. The recall of these products was initiated by the European bottler of Coca-Cola, headquartered in Belgium. Chlorates, being salts of chloric acid, can be found in foods and beverages made using water treated with chlorine or contaminated with sanitizers containing chlorine. The EU Commission has established limits for chlorate residues in products marketed within the Union, with levels below which risks are considered tolerable. Excessive intake of chlorates can have severe consequences for health, including reduced oxygen uptake in the blood and, in the case of repeated exposure, potential effects on iodine metabolism.