The Food Standards Agency has launched an investigation into a number of Coca-Cola products sold in the UK, following recalls in parts of Europe.

The FSA is investigating whether any Coca-Cola drinks in the UK contain high levels of chlorate.

It comes after the manufacture recalled drinks in Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg after testing revealed “elevated levels” of chlorate.

The chemical is a by-product of the breakdown of chlorine-based sanitisers and chlorine chemicals, which are used to sterilise water.

The Coke manufacturer has recalled drinks in Belgium, Luxembourg and the NetherlandsThe Coke manufacturer has recalled drinks in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (Image: Yui Mok/PA)

It can cause iodine deficiency in people and is regulated with legal maximum residue limits for a range of foods, including fresh produce, according to Food Standards Scotland.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Coca-Cola’s bottling partner, said it had received “no consumer complaints or concerns in Great Britain”.

Anne Gravett of the FSA said: “The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating if any Coca-Cola products containing ‘higher levels’ of a chemical called chlorate are on the UK market.

“If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers.”

In a statement, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners said: “The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale.

“Routine testing identified that certain products contained elevated levels of chlorate.

“Independent expert analysis concluded that the likelihood of any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low.

“This has affected a very small number of imported cans of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero with production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE, which can be found on the base of the can.

“We have flagged this issue to the food safety authorities in Great Britain and we remain in communication with them.

“We have had no consumer complaints or concerns in Great Britain.”

In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority found that levels of chlorate in drinking water and foods were too high and could result in serious health effects, especially among infants and children.

These included impaired functioning of the thyroid due to inhibition of iodine uptake.