Coca-Cola’sRats, R Minuteoa c Maid:h e s an d Rec a l l s It seems that over the past five years, Coca Cola has lost control over product sa f e t y . Coca Cola has not enforced strict controls over processing plants producing its products despite a con- tamination scare that caused Coke products to be banned in several European countries and a string of recent recalls. In Florida, Coke outsourced Minute Maid production to Cutrale, a Brazilian co m p a n y , which has taken risks with public safe- ty . In 5 years, Cutrale has been responsible for Minute Maid Citrus – several chemical leaks and product recalls. They Co n t a m i n a ted by Particles from a have failed a State Food Safety Inspection and have been sited by the government for serious Di s i n t e g r a ted Gasket Coca Cola recalled certain Minute Maid Premium safety and health violations. Workers report rats, All Natural Citrus Punch because the product roaches and pigeons in the processing plant. was contaminated with black particles originat- One worker was fired after 30 years of service for ing from a disintegrated food-grade gasket.2 reporting a dead rat in the plant to an on-site US D A inspector. Following are recent recalls of Coca Cola Hi-C “Off-Tast e ” products that were all produced by Cutrale in Selected Hi-C products were recalled in several states after consumers reported the products Florida over the last few years. had a sour or off-t a s t e 3. This recall came after workers at the processing plant warned Coca Minute Maid Premium OJ - Cola that the plant was unsanitary and unsafe. Co n t a m i n a ted by Acid Sanitizer Coke had even ignored the plant’s failed Florida Select Minute Maid Premium with State Food Safety Inspection and allowed Hi-C Calcium products were recalled because “con- production to continue and products to be tainers may contain ‘dilute acid sanitizer’.” 1 released to the public. Coca Cola’s Minute Maid: Putting Families at Risk. Don’t Buy It! This handbill does not ask nor intend to ask any employee to cease work or deliveries. 1 Safety Alerts (visited 7/17/01) www.safetyalerts.com/recall/f/004/041.htm 2 Safety Alerts (visited 7/17/01) www.s a f e t y a l e r t s . c o m / r e c a l l / f / 0 0 / 5 7 4 . h t m 3 Safety Alerts (visited 7/17/01) www.s a f e t y a l e r t s . c o m / r e c a l l / f / 0 0 / h i _ c . h t m