GSK suggests preservative may be behind Lucozade recall

By Guy Montague-Jones

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Food standards agency

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has withdrawn one of its Lucozade products after consumers complained of an unpleasant smell and taste that the company believes is linked to the preservative potassium sorbate.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have both issued alerts about the recall of Lucozade Sport Lite Summer Berries.

The food safety agencies said a small number of the drinks may have an unpleasant smell and taste and there may be a possible risk of mould growth.

GSK said it has suspended the manufacture and supply of Summer Berries after a “very small number of production batches” ​gave rise to a “high number of consumer complaints”.

A company spokesperson said it is likely the preservative potassium sorbate is behind the problem.

“During the production process, a small amount of the preservative potassium sorbate is added to the Lucozade Sport Lite Summer Berries product. Occasionally, under rare circumstances, potassium sorbate can be broken down allowing the formation of a compound which can create an unpleasant taste and odour.”

GSK is conducting an investigation to determine the root cause of the issue as a matter of urgency. The company said it would like to reassure consumers, however, that any impact on consumer health is minimal.

The recall is confined to the Summer Berries products. The GSK spokesperson said no complaints have been received about the Lemon & Lime variety and the company would expect the new Orange Lite to perform as well as Lemon & Lime.

The Lucozade Sport Lite products are manufactured at GSK facilities in Coleford, the UK, and are sold in various retail outlets in the UK and Ireland. The Summer Berries product was launched in early 2010 and is sold in 500ml single units and multipacks – the recall covers both formats.

Related topics Regulation & Safety

Related news

Show more