Coca-Cola investigated by UK authorities after urgent chemical recall of drinks in Europe

Coca-Cola has urgently recalled cans of Coke, Sprite and Appletiser in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands

An investigation has been launched in the UK after Coca-Cola recalled drinks in some countries in Europe.

The popular soft drink manufacturer has urgently recalled cans of Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Appletiser and other beverages with production codes between 328 GE and 338 GE in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands due to elevated levels of chlorate.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said on Monday it has now opened an investigation into whether any Coca-Cola products containing higher levels of the chemical are on sale in the UK.

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

The popular soft drink manufacturer has urgently recalled cans of Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Appletiser and other beverages with certain production codes (AFP via Getty Images)

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“The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale.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.

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

Anne Gravett of the FSA said on Monday evening: “The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating if any Coca-Cola products containing ‘higher levels’ of a chemical called chlorate are on the UK market.

“If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”