Nearly 2,000 cases of Diet Coke and Sprite recalled over possible contamination by ‘foreign material’

A recall has been issued for several varieties of Coca-Cola products, including Diet Coke, Fanta Orange, and Sprite, due to the potential presence of “foreign material.” The recall was initiated by United Packers, LLC of Mobile on November 6, but only became publicly known recently.

In addition, Coca-Cola Bottling UNITED has not disclosed the nature of the “foreign material,” and the FDA has not compelled them to do so. This has led to speculation by many about the company’s secrecy on this issue. Many questions remain on why the FDA has not made the company disclose to the public what the material was. Also called into question is the timeliness of the recall notice to the public. Notification of the recall was shared with the public over the past few days, however, Coke says it recalled the products in November. 

Coca-Cola UNITED stated that the recall was very limited in product scope and geography. They assured that all recall activities are complete in local markets, and the impacted product was removed in early November. According to the company, safety is their top priority, and the voluntary recall was undertaken to ensure the safety and quality of their products. Nevertheless, many point to the notification of the recall just reaching consumers of the products.

The impacted sodas were 12-packs of 12-ounce aluminum cans and were sold in dozens of stores in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Coca-Cola Bottling UNITED voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of these products, specifying that no impacted product remains in the market, and all recall activities in those markets are complete.

The recall involved the following products:

• Diet Coke: 417 cases with Lot Number JAN2924MBD3, UPC 49000028911, and a Best By date of 01/29/24.
• Fanta Orange: 14 cases with Lot Number JUL2924MBD3, UPC 49000030730, and a Best By date of 07/29/24.
• Sprite: 1,557 cases with Lot Number JUL2924MBD3, UPC number 49000028928, and a Best By date of 07/29/24.

Consumers in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi are advised to check their shelves for the recalled products.