Coca-Cola HBC Austria has announced a significant recall affecting millions of plastic bottles due to safety concerns. This precautionary measure comes after reports that some bottles may contain metal fragments, posing a potential health risk to consumers.
Details of the Recall
The recall, initiated on Wednesday, impacts up to 28 million half-litre PET bottles. The affected products include popular beverages such as Sprite, Coca-Cola, MezzoMix, and Fanta. Coca-Cola HBC Austria stated that the issue arose from a technical error during production. Which may have allowed small pieces of metal to enter a limited number of bottles. The affected products have best-before dates ranging from February 4, 2025, to April 12, 2025. The company stated that a technical error during production may have allowed small pieces of metal to enter a limited number of bottles, leading to this precautionary measure.
Company Response
Coca-Cola HBC Austria expressed regret over the incident and apologized for any inconvenience caused to consumers. The company emphasized that all other packaging sizes and brands under the Coca-Cola umbrella are not affected by this recall. They have advised consumers not to consume the potentially affected products due to the possible health risks associated with metal fragments.
The recall is being conducted in close cooperation with Austrian authorities, who are actively ensuring that retailers comply by removing the affected products from their shelves.
Context of the Recall
This recall marks one of the largest in Austria in the past 25 years, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The Vienna Market Authority has deployed inspectors to monitor compliance among retailers.
Additionally, this incident occurs against a backdrop of financial challenges for Coca-Cola, as the company reported a 1% decline in net revenues for the third quarter of 2024, totalling $11.9 billion. The decline has slowed growth in emerging markets, including Turkey, China, and Mexico. While other markets like the Philippines, Brazil, and Japan have shown positive growth.
Conclusion
Coca-Cola HBC Austria’s recall of millions of bottles underscores the company’s commitment to consumer safety, even amid financial difficulties. Consumers need to check their products against the recall list. Stay informed about further updates from the company.
Read more on Lifetips.blog
