food and drink

U.S. Recall Alert: Coca-Cola pulls thousands of cans over plastic contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Coca-Cola Original Taste cans due to plastic contamination. 

Coca-Cola Original Taste cans have been recalled in Illinois and Wisconsin due to plastic contamination. The recall affects 864 packs of 12 cans and could pose health risks. Photo: Unsplash
Coca-Cola Original Taste cans have been recalled in Illinois and Wisconsin due to plastic contamination. The recall affects 864 packs of 12 cans and could pose health risks. Photo: Unsplash

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the recall of hundreds of Coca-Cola Original Taste cans after plastic contamination was discovered inside. According to Newsweek, the affected cans are specifically 355-milliliter cans distributed in 12-packs and sold in Illinois and Wisconsin.

The recall includes a total of 864 packs, each marked with the code “SEP2925MDA” and time stamps ranging from 11:00 AM to 12:53 PM. The individual cans are labeled with barcode number 0 49000-00634 6, while the 12-packs have barcode number 0 49000-02890 4. Newsweek reported that the recall number assigned to this case is F-0664-2025.

Health impacts and recall classification for Coca-Cola

The recall was initiated by Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 6. However, on March 24, the FDA categorized it as a Class II recall. According to this classification, exposure to these products could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”

On its website, the FDA warned about the risks of consuming food containing foreign objects: “Hard or sharp objects in food can cause traumatic injuries, including cuts and punctures to the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach, and intestines, as well as damage to teeth and gums.”

Additionally, the agency noted that objects smaller than 7 millimeters in diameter rarely cause serious harm, except for vulnerable groups like babies, the elderly, and patients with recent surgeries.

What to do in case of risk

If any consumer possesses one of the affected packs, it is crucial that they immediately stop consuming the product and contact the manufacturer or place of purchase for instructions on refunds or replacements. The FDA advises minimizing risks in such situations to protect public health. As Dr. Fischer emphasized to Newsweek, it is always advisable to seek medical attention if you suspect the ingestion of foreign objects.

Coke has recalled thousands of cans in Illinois and Wisconsin. Photo: Newsweek

Coke has recalled thousands of cans in Illinois and Wisconsin. Photo: Newsweek

American opinion on food safety

The issue of food recalls is a growing concern among the U.S. population. A study by Civic Science in December 2024 found that 80% of participants expressed concern over food product recalls, with nearly half stating they don't trust brands and supermarkets to ensure the safety of their products. Even more alarming, the study revealed that 3 in 10 people had been directly affected by recalled products, underscoring the significance of these events in consumers' everyday lives.

The impact of such incidents on public trust in companies like Coca-Cola is significant. Although Newsweek reached out to both Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling LLC and Coca-Cola for comment, no statements have been made so far.