Coca-Cola is recalling 28 million half-liter plastic bottles in Austria due to concerns that they may contain small pieces of metal resulting from a factory mishap. The recall is a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety.

Coca-Cola announced on Thursday its largest recall in Austria in over 25 years, which is being implemented as a "precautionary measure" due to concerns that some drinks may contain metal splinters. The recall affects Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and MezzoMix beverages that have a best-before date ranging from February 4, 2025, to April 12, 2025.

The company stated that it could not eliminate the possibility that a "very limited number" of half-liter bottles might contain "small pieces of metal as a result of a technical error during production." In light of this potential health risk, Coca-Cola advised consumers against consuming the potentially affected products. They emphasized that the decision to recall these products was made "as a precautionary measure in close cooperation with the Austrian authorities" and that it pertains solely to half-liter bottles. The company clarified that "all other pack sizes and packaging or other brands are not affected by this recall."

Consumers who have purchased the affected products can return them to food retail outlets in Austria for a refund of the purchase price, even without a receipt. Coca-Cola expressed regret over the incident and apologized to consumers for any inconvenience it may have caused.

Coca-Cola indicated that not all bottles from the specified period had been sold, and many bottles might still be located on company premises or in retail warehouses. Vienna Market Authority spokesman Alexander Hengl announced that his agency, along with its team of 80 inspectors, is actively monitoring retailers to ensure the removal of these bottles from store shelves. He anticipated that the recall process would be completed within a few weeks.