Dasani: Your Questions Answered
Friday 19 March 2004
Coca-Cola, the makers of Dasani, informed the FSA yesterday, 18 March 2004, that some bottles contain bromate at higher levels than are legally permitted in the UK. They have decided to remove these bottles from sale.
What is bromate?
Bromate is a chemical that has the potential to increase the risk of cancer. Its presence in any food or water should be as low as reasonably practical. The UK legal limit for bottled and tap water is 10 micrograms per litre.
Should I be worried if I have drunk Dasani?
At the levels of bromate detected in Dasani, any increased cancer risk is likely to be very small and there is no immediate risk to public health. However, the levels are higher than are legally permitted in the UK and present an unnecessary risk, which is why Coca-Cola is removing Dasani from sale as soon as possible.
Is any bromate allowed in food and drink?
There are legally permitted levels for bromate. In bottled and tap water up to 10 micrograms per litre of bromate is legal in the UK. Coca-Cola has informed the Agency that some of the samples of Dasani had bromate levels of up to 25 micrograms per litre.
How did the bromate get into the water?
Coca-Cola has told the FSA that excess bromate got into the affected bottles through the use of a batch of calcium chloride contaminated with excess bromide, which is added as part of the processing of the tap water used to make Dasani.
Is bromate in tap water and other bottled waters?
Yes, but at levels that are within the UK’s legal limits.
What should I do if I have any affected bottles at home?
Coca-Cola advises that, if consumers wish to return products they have bought, they should contact the freephone consumer care line 0800 227711 where they will be able to get details of how to obtain a refund.