Croatia withdraws some bottled drinks and urges people to drink tap water after several fall ill

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Authorities in Croatia have recommended that people drink only tap water as they investigate reports of several people getting sick or suffering throat injuries allegedly after consuming bottled beverages

ZAGREB, Croatia — Authorities in Croatia recommended Wednesday that people drink only tap water as they investigated reports of several people sickened or suffering throat injuries allegedly after consuming bottled beverages.

Health authorities ordered the “suspected” products pulled from shops and restaurants, without specifying which products. However, photos on social media from shops suggested they were Coca-Cola brands, and the company later said it was temporarily withdrawing some of its products.

Coca-Cola in Croatia said it would cooperate with authorities, but that its internal investigation so far has shown no irregularities with its products.

Health Minister Vili Beros said several people since the start of the past weekend have sought medical help for “injuries inflicted by suspected chemical elements” but that most have had mild symptoms.

One hospital reported chemical injuries to a patient's esophagus.

“There is no need for panic, but there is for caution,” Beros said. He said that two cases of people getting sick were “directly linked to the consuming of certain drinks while we are yet to determine the rest.”

Police and the state prosecutor’s office were investigating. “Until then, it is our general recommendation to drink water from the water system, which should be safe,” Beros said.

The latest case was reported Wednesday by police in the city of Split, on the Adriatic Sea coastline. A man felt problems with his throat after drinking a non-alcoholic beverage and has received medical help, Split