In several EU countries, Coca-Cola drinks have been found to contain the substance chlorate.

The company is recalling its products from shelves in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Five product variants from this batch were delivered to the UK at the end of last year. The manufacturer stated that the entire batch has already been sold out.

Chlorate can form when using chlorine-based disinfectants, particularly for water treatment. A Coca-Cola representative mentioned in an interview with the BBC, referring to an independent expert analysis, that "the risk to consumers is very low."

Coca-Cola reported that it has not received any complaints from consumers in the UK and will continue to cooperate with the country's authorities regarding this matter, according to a publication by the BBC.

The AFP agency, citing an unnamed company representative, reported that elevated chlorate levels were detected during a routine inspection at the company's facility in Ghent, Belgium. Some unsold products have been removed from shelves, while the remaining ones continue to be withdrawn.