Coca-Cola has issued a recall for over 10,000 cans of its Original Coca-Cola beverage due to the presence of plastic contaminants. The recall, initially announced by a manufacturing partner on 6 March, has now been classified as a Class II recall by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating a potential health risk. 

Details of the recall

The recall affects 864 12-packs of 12-ounce Original Coca-Cola cans, produced by Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These products were distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin. While the contamination is not expected to cause severe illness, the FDA warns that affected cans could lead to temporary or medically reversible health consequences.

FDA Class II recall explained

An FDA Class II recall is a designation used by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to indicate that a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, but the risk of serious harm is low. It is less severe than a Class I recall, which involves a significant risk of serious injury or death, but more serious than a Class III recall, wher health risks are unlikely. Class II recalls often involve issues such as mislabelling, minor contamination, or quality defects that do not pose an immediate danger. While these recalls are typically initiated voluntarily by manufacturers, the FDA can mandate them if necessary. The agency monitors and enforces these recalls to protect public health while ensuring a proportionate response to lower-risk issues.

This recall may have broader implications for Coca-Cola’s supply chain, affecting distribution channels and retailer stock levels. In response, the company is likely to reinforce quality assurance measures and increase production checks to prevent future contamination issues.

Best practices for manufacturers

For food and beverage producers, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of regular quality audits, robust traceability systems, and swift recall procedures. Maintaining high standards in production and distribution remains essential to protecting consumer safety and brand reputation.

Consumers concerned about Coca-Cola recalls can visit the brand’s website or contact customer service for further information.

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling LLC respond to the incident (updated 26/03/25)

In response to New Food contact, a Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling spokesperson stated:

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling is voluntarily recalling 864 cases of 12-pack Coca-Cola Classic in 12-oz cans in Illinois and Wisconsin. The cases are being withdrawn because they did not meet our high-quality standards. We are taking this voluntary action because nothing is more important to us than providing high-quality products to the people who drink our beverages.