Transparency in Food Safety: Coca-Cola Chlorate Recall Example

Regulation EC 178/2002 establishes principles of transparency and public information when necessary.

Public information is provided by the European Commission through the RASFF window and by the National Food Safety Agencies through their websites.

Recently, there was a case of accidental contamination of Coca-Cola Group beverages with chlorate, leading to the subsequent product recall.

There were differences regarding the risk assessment between the company responsible for the product and the European Commission.

For more details, see the attached file.

I don't like to download documents where I'm unsure of the source but the legislation appears to be clear on chlorates.  

I do think it's an area which is insufficiently discussed in general in food manufacturing where chlorine is still widely used in direct food contact applications.  Considering how much processed food does use it, it's an interesting public health concern considering the association with weight gain and thyroid problems.

Knowing the kind of process being used, it is deeply concerning that people are not taking this seriously.  I can see the risk in beverages but also in many many other industries.

But I do want to pitch for not demonising chlorine entirely.  The move away from quats was, I think, a mistake, especially for non food contact uses.  Hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds remain two highly effective disinfectants against Listeria monocytogenes.  I'd hate to see another really effective chemical taken out of a vital arsenal of tools to counter pathogens.