Coca-Cola HBC Austria stunned consumers this week by announcing a major recall involving nearly 28 million plastic bottles due to a “technical glitch in production” that may have led to the presence of “small metal fragments” inside certain bottles. Affected items include 0.5-liter bottles from Sprite, Coca-Cola, MezzoMix, and Fanta, all marked with a best-before date between February 4 and April 12, 2025.
The scale of this Coca-Cola recall is unprecedented for Austria in recent memory, with local media reporting it as “the largest product withdrawal in over 25 years.” The company is urging consumers not to drink from the bottles, given the potential health risks associated with ingesting even tiny metal particles.
Health Precautions Prompt Urgent Recall
In its statement, Coca-Cola HBC Austria confirmed that the presence of metal fragments could not be ruled out in a limited number of 0.5-liter PET bottles. To ensure customer safety, the company is proactively recalling these products. Customers have been advised to avoid consuming the affected bottles as a precautionary measure.
The recall is being conducted in close cooperation with Austrian authorities, who have supported the company’s decision to act swiftly. Coca-Cola’s move aims to safeguard public health by preventing any potential incidents related to accidental ingestion of metallic fragments.
Guidance for Affected Customers
Coca-Cola is making it as easy as possible for affected consumers to return the bottles and receive a full refund, even without a purchase receipt. This refund policy seeks to minimize inconvenience for customers. The company has also reassured the public that other bottle sizes and packaging are not part of this recall.
Acknowledging the disruption caused, Coca-Cola extended a public apology and committed to strengthening its quality controls to prevent future occurrences. The beverage giant’s transparency in addressing the issue is part of its efforts to rebuild trust with its loyal consumers, as it investigates the root of the technical error that triggered this unusual incident.
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