After a recall, 14 million liters of cola have to go: what happens to it?

These are incredible numbers. Coca-Cola has to withdraw 28 million 0.5 liter bottles from the market due to a damaged screen. The affected batches may contain small metal parts. To date, there has not been a single reported case of anyone actually suffering harm as a result.

An enormous logistical task
But people’s health comes first, and Austria is therefore faced with an enormous logistical challenge: the quantities produced in two months are spread across the country and can be found in shops and restaurants – not to mention the many vending machines. There were also some pallets in the warehouse of the high-rise building “Krone” in Vienna. Many people are already talking about the largest recall in Austria’s history. But to better understand the enormous dimensions: 28 million bottles means 14 million liters of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta or MezzoMix. This could fill the large swimming pool of the Vienna Stadthallenbad approximately three times. If you have a swimming pool six by three meters long and wide with a standard depth in your garden, you can fill it with Coca-Cola approximately 480 times. We prefer to avoid turning them into bathtubs.

You can’t pour it into the sewer
Many people are now asking themselves: what should we do with all that soft drink? What would otherwise flow down your throat can now easily end up in swimming pools or sewers. So what happens next? Alexander Hengl from the responsible market office in Vienna: “Our main focus is currently on collecting the goods. We assume that we will be able to secure the majority of the bottles in the next two to three weeks.” What will happen with it is currently being discussed in close collaboration with Coca-Cola. Hengl: “We don’t know that yet. An investigation with metal detectors, laboratory findings, filtering including refilling or destruction is currently being discussed.” One thing is certain: this amount should not end up in the ditch. The “Krone” also asked some local experts in the field of waste processing. Bottom line Thursday evening: Given the amount, you are faced with a logistical disaster.

Recall creates logistical efforts for local dealers

• Billa: “The affected containers are made available in the storage areas for transport to the central warehouse. Thanks to the batch number, full traceability is guaranteed at all times. However, it is important to act quickly. In the interest of consumer protection, we are forced to return all affected containers.”

• Hofer: “The safety of our customers is our top priority. Sales of the affected item were immediately stopped and customers were immediately informed of the product recall in stores and on our homepage. The product can be returned at all branches. Of course, customers will also receive a refund without proof of purchase.”

• Spruce: “We do not yet know exactly how many bottles are involved. These are more or less all the bottles of Coca-Cola we currently have on the markets and in the warehouses. This makes it one of the largest recalls we have ever had to deal with. Everything is going smoothly at the moment, the goods have been removed from circulation.”

• Lidl: “We immediately responded to the recall and removed the products from sale. Our customers can return the items at any branch and the purchase amount will be refunded, even without presenting the receipt. Affected are Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero and Fanta Orange with an expiration date between February 4 and April 12, 2025.”

In the event of an incident, the manufacturer is liable for all damage to the consumer
“Product liability applies in the event of damage,” says Univ.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Perner from WU Vienna: “The manufacturer must compensate all damage caused by a dangerous product.” For example, medical bills, hospital bills, compensation for pain and suffering – up to funeral expenses etc. upon death. Whether the manufacturer actually did something wrong is irrelevant for product liability: “It is sufficient that the product was dangerous and that damage occurred as a result.” There will be no compensation from the dealer from whom you purchased the product: a new, flawless product or as a consumer you will receive your money immediately in the event of a serious defect.”