Coca-Cola has recalled its drinks in some countries across Europe because they contain "higher levels" of a chemical called chlorate. The firm said in a statement that the recall was focused on Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It added just five product lines had been shipped to Britain, and they had already been sold.

Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operation in Belgium identified the issue during routine testing at its facility in Ghent.

Coca-Cola has recalled a ‘considerable quantity’ of Coke, Sprite, Fanta and other drinks due to safety concerns. Excessive levels of the chemical chlorate were found in several of the soft drink giant’s brands due for sale in the UK,

Chlorate can be found in foods as it derives from chlorine disinfectants widely used in water treatment and food processing.

Coca-Cola has issued a major recall of its drinks in countries across Europe due to the presence of chlorate in its products. According to the Belgium branch of Coca-Cola's international bottling and distribution operation,