The United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency has launched an investigation into Coca-Cola products after the beverage giant recalled drinks across several European markets due to high chlorate levels.

The probe comes after the Coca-Cola company said on Monday the impacted products had been distributed in cans and glass bottles across six countries since November, including Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK.

According to Food Standards Scotland, chlorate is strictly controlled in food products due to its ability to interfere with iodine absorption. The chemical derives from chlorine disinfectants widely used in water treatment and food processing.

In a 2015 assessment, the European Food Safety Authority identified sustained chlorate exposure as a particular risk for children, especially those already experiencing mild to moderate iodine deficiency.

The agency said: "A high intake of chlorate on a single day could be toxic for humans as it can limit the blood's ability to absorb oxygen, leading to kidney failure."

Symptoms of excessive intake of the chemical are reported to include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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"The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale.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

Only five affected products were distributed to UK retailers in late 2024, and these have since been sold, the company said. It noted that the UK products affected include the Coke, Fanta, Minute Maid, Sprite, and Tropico brands.

Coca-Cola said the issue had been flagged to UK food safety authorities, noting that it had not had any consumer complaints or concerns in the nation.

Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Anne Gravett, from the UK's Food Standards Agency, said: "The Food Standards Agency 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."

The contamination was discovered during routine testing at the company's Ghent facility in northwest Belgium, AFP reported. Most affected products have been pulled from shelves, with efforts underway to remove remaining stock from the market.

Coca-Cola said it "considers the quality and safety of its products as its top priority".

It added: "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."

jonathan@mail.chinadailyuk.com