The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall affecting over 10,000 cans of Coca-Cola due to potential contamination with foreign materials, specifically plastic. This alert concerns consumers in two states: Illinois and Wisconsin.
Designated as a Class II recall, this measure indicates, according to the FDA,:
“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.”
This recall, announced on March 24, 2025, underscores the importance of food and beverage safety and consumer awareness.
Identifying the Recalled Coca-Cola Cans
The recall specifically pertains to 12-ounce cans produced by Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These cans were distributed exclusively in Illinois and Wisconsin. To determine if your cans are affected, check for the following identifiers:
- Can UPC: 0 49000-00634 6
- Pack UPC: 0 49000-02890 4
- Date Code: SEP2925MDA
- Time Stamp: 1100-1253
- Label Information: “Canned Under Authority of the Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA 30313”
Customers with any of the recalled cans should either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have consumed the product, it’s advisable to monitor your health closely and seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms develop.
New Health-Focused Offerings from Coca-Cola
In an innovative move, Coca-Cola recently introduced a new range of prebiotic sodas under its Simply brand, named ‘Simply Pop’, on February 18, 2025. These carbonated beverages are crafted with real fruit juices and without added sugars, aligning with health-conscious consumer trends.
Becca Kerr, the company’s CEO of Nutrition, highlighted this market opportunity:
“We found that consumers, especially those focused on wellness such as Gen Z and Millennials, were particularly interested in juice and prebiotic sodas. Many sought to align with trusted brands that they recognize for quality and taste.”
“To attract new drinkers to this category, we needed to deliver the perfect blend of innovation and consumer trust.”
Positioning the prebiotic sodas under the Simply brand is strategic, as it holds a reputation for quality juice products. The Coca-Cola company’s statement emphasizes this connection:
“After more than two decades, Simply has established itself as a leader in the juice market, and consumers value the high quality associated with Simply products, making it the perfect brand for our exploration of prebiotic sodas.”
These new beverages offer 6g of dietary fiber, 25mg of sodium, along with 20% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C and Zinc, according to the company’s website. Available in five flavors—Strawberry, Lime, Pineapple Mango, Fruit Punch, and Citrus Punch—Simply Pop drinks retail for $2.49.
Sprite Expands Successful Chill Lineup
Additionally, Coco-Cola’s Sprite brand recently announced that its Chill lineup will now include the popular Chill Cherry Lime flavor as a permanent offering. This flavor combines the refreshing taste of lime with a hint of cherry tanginess and has been well-received since its limited-time introduction.
Shoppers will find both sugar and zero-sugar variants available at various retailers. Moreover, a new Strawberry Kiwi flavor has been added to the Chill lineup, exclusively sold at Walmart.