Coca-Cola has recalled its drinks in some countries across Europe after detecting “higher levels” of the chemical chlorate.

The firm said in a statement that the recall was focused on Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It added just five product lines had been shipped to Britain, and they had already been sold.

Affected products include the Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico and Minute Maid brands, according to the Belgium branch of Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operation. Five of the affected product lines had been shipped to Britain at the end of last year and had already been sold.

Chlorate can be produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing.

Exposure to high levels of the chemical compound can cause health issues including thyroid problems, especially among children and babies.

In a 2015 scientific opinion, the European Food Safety Authority said long-term exposure to chlorate posed a potential health concern for children, especially those with mild or moderate iodine deficiency.

A spokesperson for the company said, “Independent expert analysis concludes that any associated risk for consumers is very low.”

Affected batches of Coke and Fuze Tea were delivered in France but currently the recall order did not apply to the French market, it added.

The company said it had not received any consumer complaints in Britain and that it had “alerted the authorities on this matter and will continue to collaborate with them”.

Most of the affected and unsold products had been withdrawn from shelves, and the company was in the process of withdrawing the rest from the market.

Coca-Cola said it “considers the quality and safety of its products as its top priority”.

Anne Gravett, from the UK’s Food Standards Agency, said it was investigating.