Coca-Cola investigating ‘human waste’ claims

By Joseph James Whitworth

- Last updated on GMT

©iStock/vandervelden
©iStock/vandervelden

Related tags Coca-cola

An investigation has been launched after reported findings of ‘human waste’ in Coca-Cola cans in a factory in Northern Ireland.

The Lisburn facility employs more than 550 staff to produce, distribute, market and sell soft drinks.

Coca-Cola said the affected batch was impounded and will not be sold.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the investigation was at an early stage and was reported to it on 21 March.

“Detectives are investigating an incident at commercial premises in the Lisburn area following reports that a consignment of containers delivered to the premises had been contaminated.”

Problem was identified through quality procedures

A spokesperson for Coca-Cola said it takes product quality and safety seriously.

“We are aware of an incident involving empty cans at our plant in Knockmore Hill, Lisburn. We are treating this matter extremely seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation in cooperation with the PSNI. 

“The problem was identified immediately through our robust quality procedures and all of the product from the affected batch was immediately impounded and will not be sold. 

“This is an isolated incident and does not affect any products currently on sale.”

Cans arrive at the plant without tops on before they are filled, sealed and sold across Northern Ireland, according to the Belfast Telegraph​.

The paper quoted a source as saying the cans came from Germany.

FoodQualityNews has asked Coca-Cola to clarify this and the contamination source.

The FSA in NI said it was aware of a ‘physical contamination incident’ at Coca Cola Hellenic in Lisburn.

“There is no evidence to suggest that any affected product has reached the market.

“The incident is subject to an investigation by the PSNI and the Environmental Health Unit of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.”

Coca‑Cola HBC (Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company) is a bottling partner of The Coca‑Cola Company.

The Coca‑Cola Company manufactures and sells concentrates, bases and syrups to bottling partners.

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