Coca-Cola has issued a recall of three of its most popular soda brands after discovering potential metal fragments in certain batches. If you’ve got a cold soft drink chilling in your kitchen, there are key batch codes you’ll want to check—especially since thousands of cans have already been pulled from store shelves. Read on to find out whether your soda is affected, what to do if it is, and how to stay safe.
Which Coca-Cola sodas are part of the recall?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, LLC voluntarily launched the recall on October 3 after discovering possible contamination in select canned sodas. The recall covers three popular varieties—Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Sprite—each tied to specific production codes. Affected products include:
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 12-ounce cans (12-pack) — Codes: 49000042559, FEB0226MAA
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 12-ounce cans (35-pack) — Codes: 49000058499, FEB0226MAA
- Coca-Cola 12-ounce cans (24-pack) — Codes: 49000012781, JUN2926MAA
- Coca-Cola 12-ounce cans (35-pack) — Codes: 49000058468, JUN2926MAA
- Sprite 12-ounce cans (35-pack) — Codes: 49000058482, JUN2926MAA
- Sprite 12-ounce cans (12-pack) — Codes: 49000028928, JUN2926MAA
- Sprite 12-ounce cans (12-pack) — Codes: 49000028928, JUN3026MAB
Consumers are urged to check these UPC and date codes printed on packaging to ensure their beverages are not part of the recall.
Why were the Coca-Cola sodas recalled?
As mentioned above, Coca-Cola initiated the recall due to concerns about the possible presence of metal fragments in certain products. According to the FDA, the issue involves a limited batch of beverages that may contain trace amounts of “foreign material (metal).”
Even small pieces of metal could pose a health risk if ingested, potentially causing mouth or throat injuries, internal cuts, or digestive issues. Depending on the size and sharpness of the fragments, the contamination could also result in choking hazards or internal damage, prompting swift action from the manufacturer.
Coca-Cola confirms the recall is limited to select Texas areas
According to a Coca-Cola spokesperson, the recall was limited to select regions of Texas, specifically the McAllen/Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio areas. The company confirmed that no products outside these locations were impacted.
In a statement to TODAY.com, Coca-Cola described the recall as both “small” and “localized,” involving only a minimal number of soda cans distributed by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, LLC. The quantities pulled from circulation include 1,115 units of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, 2,322 units of Coca-Cola, and 791 units of Sprite, all in 12-ounce cans.
As of October 10, Coca-Cola reported that every affected batch had been removed from store shelves as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety.
Bought the recalled soda? Here’s what to do next
If you’ve discovered any of the recalled Coca-Cola products in your home, the FDA advises you not to consume them. Instead, safely discard the affected products to avoid potential health risks.
Customers who purchased the recalled sodas can return them to the store of purchase for a full refund or product exchange. For further assistance or questions, you can reach out to Coca-Cola’s Consumer Interaction Center by calling (800) 438-2653.
Source: TODAY.com