Over 10,000 cans of Coca-Cola have been pulled from store shelves due to dangerous plastic contamination that could cause choking or injury if consumed.
Quick Takes
- Coca-Cola has recalled 864 cases (over 10,000 cans) of its Original Taste soda in Illinois and Wisconsin due to potential plastic contamination.
- The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, indicating temporary health risks but low probability of serious harm.
- Affected products are 12-pack cases with specific UPC codes and a September 29, 2025 date code with time stamps between 1100-1253.
- No injuries have been reported, but consumers are advised to check their Coca-Cola products and return affected items for a refund.
- Despite the recall, Coca-Cola recently reported strong financial results with revenue of $11.54 billion, exceeding market expectations.
Plastic Contamination Prompts Immediate Action
In a decisive move to protect consumers, Coca-Cola’s bottling partner has withdrawn thousands of potentially contaminated soda cans from the market. Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, based in Milwaukee, is voluntarily recalling 864 cases of 12-pack Coca-Cola Original Taste after discovering possible plastic contamination in products distributed throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. The recall affects more than 10,000 individual cans that failed to meet the company’s quality standards, demonstrating the beverage giant’s commitment to consumer safety despite the financial impact of such a large-scale product withdrawal.
The Food and Drug Administration has classified this as a Class II recall, defined as “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 lower risk than a Class I recall, the potential for choking, oral injury, or gastrointestinal discomfort remains concerning for consumers who may have purchased the affected products.
How to Identify Affected Products
Consumers concerned about potential contamination should check their Coca-Cola products for specific identifying information. The recall specifically targets 12-pack cases of 12-ounce cans with UPC codes 0 49000-00634 6 (Single Can) and 0 49000-02890 4 (12-Pack Case). Additionally, affected products have a date code of September 29, 2025, with a time stamp between 1100-1253. This detailed information allows consumers to precisely identify potentially dangerous products while minimizing unnecessary returns of safe inventory.
“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.” – A spokesperson for Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling
While the recall affects only products distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin, consumers in neighboring states should exercise caution and verify their Coca-Cola purchases. The contamination was discovered during routine quality control checks, preventing what could have become a more widespread safety issue if left unaddressed. This proactive approach demonstrates the effectiveness of the company’s quality assurance measures, even as the recall highlights potential vulnerabilities in the production process.
Financial Impact and Corporate Response
Despite this quality control setback, Coca-Cola continues to demonstrate strong market performance. The company recently reported quarterly revenue of $11.54 billion, significantly exceeding market expectations of $10.68 billion. Net income rose to $2.20 billion, with organic revenue increasing by an impressive 14% while product prices increased by 9%. These financial indicators suggest that isolated quality control issues have not undermined consumer confidence in the iconic American brand.
The recall represents part of a challenging landscape for American food and beverage manufacturers facing increasing regulatory scrutiny and quality demands. Companies like Coca-Cola must navigate potential market disruptions, including possible tariffs on imported aluminum that could affect production costs. CEO James Quincey has indicated contingency plans that include shifting focus to plastic bottles if aluminum prices rise significantly – an ironic twist given the current plastic contamination recall.
Consumer Advisory and Next Steps
Consumers possessing potentially contaminated Coca-Cola products are strongly advised against consumption. Anyone who has already consumed affected products and experienced adverse effects should seek immediate medical attention. The company has established a straightforward process for returns and refunds, demonstrating commitment to making consumers whole following this quality control failure. This consumer-focused approach helps maintain brand loyalty even during product safety challenges.
This recall is part of a broader trend of contamination-related food and beverage recalls across America, raising questions about quality control standards throughout the supply chain. While Coca-Cola recalls are relatively rare, this is not the first such incident, with similar contamination concerns prompting recalls in December 2023 and early 2024. The recurring nature of these incidents suggests potential systemic issues that President Trump’s administration may need to address through enhanced regulatory oversight or manufacturing standards reform.
