Coca-Cola, the sugary beverage giant, is facing a problem it hasn’t had in a long time. The FDA has recalled thousands of cans of Coca-Cola and Sprite in Texas due to possible metal contamination. Specifically, Coca-Cola is recalling more than 70,000 cans in the United States due to this defective batch. The warning was issued after possible metal fragments were detected in the contents, which could cause injury if accidentally ingested. Experts have classified the defective beverages as a moderate health risk.
The agency confirmed that the can recall, classified as a Class II hazard, affects more than 4,000 cans
This news has particularly shocked consumers of the world’s best-selling beverage. The notice, issued on October 23, affects several of the company’s products, as we mentioned above. Among the recalled products are Coca-Cola, Sprite, and the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar variation, sold in 12-, 24-, and 35-count containers. These are the exact details provided by the regulatory agencies. The agency confirmed that the can recall, classified as a Class II hazard, affects more than 4,000 cans distributed in Texas.
In any case, the risk of serious health effects is considered relatively “remote.” The FDA noted that consuming one of the contaminated products could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.” Therefore, according to the FDA report, the metal fragments could cause health problems or injuries if ingested, so consumers have been advised to avoid consuming the affected products and to contact a doctor if they have done so. Ultimately, this is a temporary health risk, but a recall and notification in the event of contamination are important.
If you identify a can, officials recommend not consuming the beverage
The recall process was initiated by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages on October 3 for the cans mentioned above. Of these, more than 4,000 cans are located in Texas, as well as some batches in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas. In any case, the company has not yet issued an official statement, nor has the FDA provided specific instructions on how to dispose of the recalled cans. Therefore, if you identify a can or package from one of the affected batches, officials recommend not consuming the beverage and notifying one of the responsible centers/officials.
Specifically, the defective cans requiring full recall are: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, 12-pack (UPC 49000042559) and 35-pack (UPC 49000058499), lot code FEB0226MAA; Coca-Cola, 24-pack (UPC 49000012781) and 35-pack (UPC 49000058468), lot code JUN2926MAA; Sprite, 12-pack (UPC 49000028928) and 35-pack (UPC 49000058482), lot codes JUN2926MAA or JUN3026MAB.
The FDA and the affected company will continue to monitor the recall process while reviewing potential production errors
Although we explain above what experts recommend, neither the FDA nor Coca-Cola have publicly shared details about what to do if you purchased or own the recalled products. The FDA and the affected company will continue to monitor the recall process while reviewing potential production errors that may have led to the contamination. It is imperative that another error that could compromise consumer health does not occur again, especially when it comes to such a historic and popular product, not only in the United States but worldwide.
The incident has raised concerns about food safety
The US agency is closely monitoring the process while analyzing the causes of the incident. The October recall follows another reported in March, when Coca-Cola recalled more than 10,000 cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin for similar reasons. That recall was also classified as Class II and affected several batches of Coca-Cola in 12-pack containers. And of course, although no injuries have been reported so far, the incident has raised concerns about food safety in the packaged beverage segment and the millions of people who consume them daily.
