By aniketbanerjee 
March 27, 2025 – UK: If you’ve recently picked up a Coca-Cola or Appletiser from your local store, you might want to check the label. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced a major recall of several beverages in the UK due to high levels of chlorate, a chemical that could pose health risks with long-term exposure.
Which Drinks Are Being Recalled?
The recall affects a mix of supermarket and restaurant-sold drinks. Here’s what you need to look out for:
🍏 Appletiser 100% Apple Juice Gently Sparkling (6x250ml multipacks)
- Batch Codes: 0008905850 and 0008908477
- Best Before Dates: November 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025
- Sold At: Major UK supermarkets
🥤 Coca-Cola 330ml Cans (Restaurant Supply Only)
- Affected Varieties: Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero
- Production Codes: 328 GE to 338 GE
- Best Before Dates:
- Coca-Cola Original Taste: November 30, 2025
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar & Diet Coke—May 31, 2025
- Sprite Zero: June 30, 2025
- Where Sold? These cans are not in supermarkets—they’ve been distributed to restaurants and cafés across the UK.
What’s the risk?
So, what’s the deal with chlorate? It’s a byproduct of chlorine-based disinfectants used in water treatment. While consuming small amounts isn’t a big concern, long-term exposure could interfere with iodine absorption, potentially leading to thyroid issues. That’s why the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is urging consumers to be cautious.
Tina Potter from the FSA reassured the public:
“The risk to most people is very low, but those with thyroid conditions should take extra care. If you have one of the affected drinks, it’s best to avoid it.”
What Should You Do?
If you have one of these drinks at home, here’s what you should do:
✔ Check the batch codes and expiration dates. If your drink matches the recall list, don’t consume it.
✔ Contact Coca-Cola’s customer service at 0800 227711; they’ll guide you on how to get a refund.
✔ Spread the word. Let friends and family know about the recall to keep them safe.
Coca-Cola Responds
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has apologised for the inconvenience, emphasising that they’re taking swift action to ensure affected drinks are pulled from shelves and restaurant suppliers. They’ve reassured customers that safety remains their top priority.
Product recalls like this are a reminder to always check batch codes on food and drink items. While this recall affects a limited number of products, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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