Urgent warning after cans of Coca-Cola recalled by officials

Coca-Cola has issued urgent recalls on select products in both the US and UK, thanks to two different concerns affecting cans of the popular fizzy drink.

Both the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US have issued reports surrounding the recalls.

According to the FSA, the company recalled a number of their fizzy drink products as a 'precautionary step' as they may contain elevated levels of chlorate.

Chlorate is often found in food and drink as it is used in water treatment and food processing as it is a by-product of chlorine, the European Commission says.

The FSA said in its report: “This poses a low food safety risk especially when only consumed occasionally, however consumers who are sensitive to chlorate and have pre-existing mild to moderate iodine deficiency may be more adversely affected."

Double check any cans you have at home, and return them to the retailer for a refund (Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images)

“Long term consumption of chlorate can lead to the inhibition of iodine uptake, this could potentially cause adverse health effects such as goitre," they continued. “A single high intake of chlorate, (as an acute exposure), could limit the body’s ability to absorb oxygen from the blood, and could in severe cases lead to kidney failure.”

Cans have also been recalled in the US, where Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC, recalled 864 cases containing 12 cans each over fears that there is possible plastic in the drinks.

The cans were distributed in the US states of Illinois and Wisconsin.

The Independent reports that the US recall falls under 'Class II', which is a 'situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote'.

More than 10,000 cans in the US have been recalled too (Coca-Cola)

The impacted US cans have a UPC of 0 49000-00634 6, while the 12-can packs have a UPC of 0 49000-02890 4.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners have asked shoppers to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC also told ABC News in a statement: "The cases are being withdrawn because they did not meet our high-quality standards. We are taking this voluntary action because nothing is more important to us than providing high-quality products to the people who drink our beverages."

Which cans are being recalled in the UK?

Appletiser 100& Apple Juice Gently Sparkling

• Pack size: 6 x 250ml multipack
• Batch code: 0008905850/0008908477
• Best before: November 30, 2025 - December 31, 2025

Coca-Cola

• Pack size: 330ml tall can
• Batch code: 0008912462
• Best before: November 30, 2025

Diet Coke

• Pack size: 330ml tall can
• Batch code: 0008913820
• Best before: May 31, 2025

Coca-Cola Zero

• Pack size: 330ml tall can
• Batch code: 0008913954
• Best before: May 31, 2025

For more details or concerns, customers are being asked to call Coca-Cola’s customer service team on 0800 227711.