In a significant health and safety move, Coca-Cola has initiated a massive recall of 150,000 bottles in Croatia following numerous cases of poisoning linked to the consumption of its products, including Römerquelle and Coca-Cola. This decision comes after 34 individuals were hospitalized due to these incidents.
The situation escalated when a 19-year-old man was admitted to a hospital in Rijeka, a Croatian port city, with esophageal burns after consuming Römerquelle Emotion, a product produced in Austria, at a café. This incident prompted the Croatian Institute of Public Health to conduct initial analyses, leading to the swift withdrawal of 150,000 Coca-Cola bottles from the market.
This is reported by 20min.ch.
The Croatian Health Inspectorate acted quickly in response to the alarming reports of illnesses following the consumption of Coca-Cola and Römerquelle products. Health Minister Vili Beroš expressed concern over the rising number of cases, stating the cause of these illnesses remained unknown.
Following extensive testing of several products, the Croatian Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that the issue in Rijeka was isolated to a single bottle of Römerquelle Emotion Blueberry-Pomegranate.
Coca-Cola, in a media statement, welcomed the clarity brought by the test results for consumers and customers in Croatia after days of uncertainty, extending their thoughts to those affected. The company has offered full cooperation with the authorities.
As an immediate reaction to the poisoning cases, Croatian health authorities ordered the removal of the suspected products from store shelves, restaurants, and other sales points. Images shared on social networks suggested that the products in question were Coca-Cola brands.
There have been no reports of Coca-Cola recalling products in countries other than Croatia, but we are naturally keeping a vigilant eye.
