Coca-Cola recalls drinks in UK due to chemical levels

A range of Coca-Cola products are being recalled in the UK after the firm's bottling partner said it had identified "elevated levels" of a chemical called chlorate.

Cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero sent to cafes and restaurants are being withdrawn as well as 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks sent to UK supermarkets.

The announcement follows a larger recall of Coca-cola products across Europe on Tuesday.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the firm's bottling partner, said the risk of illness was "very low".

Chlorate can be produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing.

The affected cans carry production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE on their base.

Exposure to high levels of chlorate can cause health problems including thyroid problems, especially among children and infants.

"Independent expert analysis concludes that any associated risk for consumers is very low," a spokesperson told the BBC.

"The quality and safety of our products is our top priority and we're sorry that on this occasion, a small number of our products have not met our high standards, and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused," the firm said in a statement.