More trouble for Nestle, after Maggi controversy, live larvae found in baby milk powder sample

Coimbatore: Facing trouble in many states over the safety of its popular Maggi noodles, Nestle India has courted fresh trouble after a preliminary test by a state agency of a sample of their milk powder allegedly found live larvae in it.

A Coimbatore resident has claimed that he found larvae in a pack of Nestle NAN PRO 3 milk powder which he brought for his twin babies in April. The complainant alleged that one of his babies developed an allergic rash after drinking the milk.

The tests conducted by the food safety authorities have confirmed the presence of worms in the milk powder and it has been declared unfit for consumption. More samples of the milk powder are being picked up across the country for tests.

The report also found it unsafe for consumption as it contained live insects and did not conform to standards, a health department official said. The official said they are awaiting a comprehensive report from the Government food safety laboratory.

Defending itself, Nestle said that they adhere to strict food quality and safety procedures. "We are aware of media reports that a consumer in India has reported finding live larvae in a package of our NAN PRO-3 follow up milk. We have not been contacted by the consumer or the authorities in relation to this matter. We have in place strict food quality and safety procedures, including pest control and quality checks at the different stages of our manufacturing and storage process."

"Moreover, our manufacturing technology excludes the possibility of insects living and surviving in the sealed package in which this product is sold. Shortly before the package is sealed, any remaining oxygen is completely removed as part of the manufacturing process to maintain the product's freshness and nutritional value. The quality and safety of our products are the top priorities for our company. We always take such reports seriously and we are making every effort to obtain the information we need in order to investigate this consumer complaint," Nestle said in a statement.