Dead insect findings prompt Nestlé recall
The firm said it recalled the individual batch of Nestlé Fitness Fruits on 7 March after a notice from the food safety authority in Crete.
It relates to the presence of insects in a single sample and not other batches of the product.
A Nestlé spokeswoman told FoodQualityNews.com that it was 'very concerned' to learn of the consumer’s report of insects in the Fitness Fruits product.
"We always take such reports seriously and immediately launched a thorough investigation," she said.
"Our factory production and quality records for this product batch confirm that our strict procedures, which include pest control and quality checks at each stage of our manufacturing and storage process, were rigorously followed.
"In fact we have a number of different controls in place at the storage and distribution facilities all along our supply chain/route to market."
Initial response
"We would like to inform our consumers that our production process precludes the presence of insects in the product," the firm said in a statement about the incident last month.
"Furthermore the sealed product packaging protects completely the product as long as the appropriate storage conditions are observed throughout the chain from storage to consumption.
"The quality and safety of all our products is not negotiable for our company."
According to the RASFF portal no distribution data was available from the notifying country.
The notification dated 21/3/14 said the product originated in France.
EFET announcement
Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) and its Regional Directorate in Crete, following further investigation on consumer complaint, said it was informed about the presence of insect larvae in a whole grain breakfast cereal product distributed in the market.
The implicated product has the trade name “Nestlé Fitness Fruits” with whole grain cereals, in 375g package, with Lot No L3185081900 06 and best before date 04/07/2014.
Product is produced by the company “CPW Hellas S.A,” said EFET.
The agency requested the immediate recall/withdrawal of the implicated lot of the product and said consumers who have bought it are advised not to consume it.
