Coca-Cola HBC is temporarily withdrawing batches of two soft drinks from sale in Croatia due to an investigation by the authorities into cases of illness suspected to have been caused by the beverages. The state inspection office in Croatia ordered the local arm of Coca-Cola HBC to withdraw a batch of Coca-Cola Original Taste 500ml. Additionally, the company announced the withdrawal of a limited batch of Romerquelle Emotion Blueberry Pomegranate 330ml until official investigations conclude, despite their internal analysis finding no irregularities in either product.
The investigation began after a young man in the Adriatic town of Rijeka suffered throat injuries after consuming a Romerquelle Emotion drink. Health Minister Vili Beros stated that 13 other people across Croatia also reported symptoms after consuming Coca-Cola products, with only the individual in Rijeka experiencing serious injuries. Most of the others had already been released from the hospital. The state inspectorate reported that an analysis of a sample of Romerquelle Emotion yielded results within allowed parameters and that it could not cause the symptoms suffered by affected people. An analysis of the regular Coca-Cola samples had not been completed.
Coca-Cola HBC is working closely with its customers and supporting the authorities’ investigation to protect consumers.