Cracking open a cold can of Coke might have landed some consumers in a health-related scare, as thousands of cans of Coca-Cola products were recalled following a Food and Drug Administration investigation.
Cans of Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta Orange that were sold in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, were reported to potentially contain "foreign material."
This recall, while initiated by Coca-Cola, is a Class II event.
Worryingly, according to the FDA , Class II recalls indicate a circumstance in which a “violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”
The recall disclosed in a filing apparently began on Nov. 6. It involved 1,557 cases of 12-ounce cans of Sprite, 417 cases of Diet Coke, and 14 cases of Fanta Orange.
According to the report by the FDA, the following products were recalled.
Diet Coke: 12-pack fridge pack of 12-oz. aluminum cans. UPC: 49000028911, Best By 01/29/24
Fanta Orange: 12-pack fridge pack of 12-oz. aluminum cans. UPC: 49000030730, Best By 07/29/24
Sprite packaged: 12-pack fridge pack of 12-oz. aluminum cans. UPC: 49000028928 Best By 07/29/24
While the 'foreign material' of concern remains a mystery, this is not the first time the drinks juggernaut has had to handle contamination controversy.
In 2016, a Welsh mother of three got a shocking surprise when she took a swig from her can of Coke.
Taking a sip, Samantha Roach, then 23 from Cardiff, felt something strange in her mouth and coughed it back up.
She sent the strange object off to trading standards to be tested, and the results showed it contained seven different and alarming items that had formed a half inch lump.
The review of the lump showed it contained a hard insect with a shell and black hairs, pieces of blue wool, a clump of white stones, traces of plastic, traces of a man-made synthetic, wood shavings and a lump covered in an unnamed ‘chemical’.
In fact, just last year, contaminated Coca-Cola owned Minute Maid products had to be recalled because of fears metal fixtures may have found their way into the juice drink.
The huge recall included nearly 7,500 cases of product, including the brand's 59-oz. -size Berry Punch, Strawberry Lemonade and Fruit juices.
In their most recent recall of products with an unnamed foreign material, it appears the end could be in sight. The company told NBC news that the recall is complete and there are no more affected cans on the market, however the FDA refers to the recall as ongoing on their website.