NEWS HEADLINES: Coca-Cola Faces Health Scare – Is Your Can Part of the Recall?

Coca-Cola recalls over 10,000 cans in Illinois and Wisconsin after discovering potential plastic contamination that could pose serious health risks to consumers.

Key Takeaways

• Coca-Cola has recalled 864 cases (over 10,000 cans) of its Original Taste soda due to potential plastic contamination in Illinois and Wisconsin.
• The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating temporary or medically reversible health consequences with a remote probability of serious adverse effects.
• Affected products are 12-pack cases of 12-ounce cans with specific UPC codes and a September 29, 2025 date code with time stamps between 1100-1253.
• Consumers should not drink the affected products and can return them for a refund or contact Coca-Cola’s customer service for assistance.

Plastic Contamination Prompts Regional Recall

Coca-Cola has issued a voluntary recall affecting thousands of its flagship soda cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin. The recall, initiated by Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling based in Milwaukee, covers 864 cases containing over 10,000 individual cans that might contain potentially harmful plastic fragments. This recall demonstrates the company’s commitment to product safety, even as it represents a significant logistical challenge in retrieving the affected inventory from store shelves and consumer homes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially classified this as a Class II recall, suggesting moderate health risks that could result in temporary or reversible adverse health consequences.

The plastic contamination issue was initially identified through the company’s quality control processes, with the recall first issued on March 6, 2025, and subsequently classified by the FDA on March 24, 2025. While plastic contamination in beverages represents a legitimate health concern, particularly regarding potential choking hazards or gastrointestinal discomfort, no injuries or consumer complaints have been reported thus far. This proactive approach to product safety stands in sharp contrast to how many companies often delay recalls until forced by regulatory agencies or public pressure, demonstrating Coca-Cola’s prioritization of consumer safety over short-term profits.

Identifying Affected Products

Consumers concerned about this recall should carefully examine their Coca-Cola purchases for specific identifying characteristics. The affected products are 12-pack cases of 12-ounce Coca-Cola Original Taste cans with UPC codes 0 49000-00634 6 (for individual cans) and 0 49000-02890 4 (for the 12-pack case). Additionally, these products carry a date code of September 29, 2025, with time stamps between 1100 and 1253. The recall specifically targets products distributed by Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling in Illinois and Wisconsin, though consumers in neighboring states should remain vigilant as distribution boundaries are rarely perfect. Customers who have purchased these products should not consume them due to the potential health risks associated with ingesting plastic fragments.

“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,” stated a spokesperson for Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling.

According to the FDA, this recall represents “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” While this classification indicates a relatively low risk level compared to Class I recalls (which involve reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death), consumers should still exercise caution and follow the return procedures established by the company. This statement confirms that while the contamination poses real health concerns, they are unlikely to result in permanent injury or life-threatening situations for most consumers.

Consumer Guidance and Company Response

Coca-Cola has established clear guidelines for consumers who may have purchased the affected products. Anyone possessing these items should refrain from consuming them and instead return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Alternatively, consumers can contact Coca-Cola’s customer service directly for further assistance. Those who believe they may have experienced adverse effects from consuming these products should seek immediate medical attention and report their experiences to the FDA. The company’s forthright approach to this recall reflects its understanding of the importance of maintaining consumer trust during potential safety incidents, especially in today’s hyper-connected media environment where brand damage can spread rapidly across social platforms.

“Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC, based in Milwaukee, WI, is recalling 864 12-count packs of Coca-Cola Original Taste because of potential contamination with foreign material, specifically plastic,” the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in their official notice.

This recall occurs during a period of strong financial performance for Coca-Cola, which recently surpassed revenue estimates, reporting $11.54 billion for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, considerably exceeding market expectations of $10.68 billion. The company’s net income rose to $2.20 billion during this period, with organic revenue increasing by 14% and product prices rising by 9%. Despite facing challenges such as potential aluminum tariffs and shifting consumer preferences, Coca-Cola continues to demonstrate robust market resilience. This recall, while necessary for safety reasons, represents a minor setback amid otherwise impressive corporate performance figures under President Trump’s business-friendly economic policies.