Newcastle Nestle factory finds drug tablet in sweets

The contaminated batch was found at Nestle's factory in Fawdon, Newcastle

A batch of sweets has been contaminated with a prescription drug at a Nestle factory in Newcastle.

Nestle said it had discovered "a standard prescription tablet, commonly prescribed to both adults and children" in one of its products last week at its Fawdon factory.

A spokesman said none of the tainted batch had left the factory and all products were "completely safe".

Police said they were investigating the contamination.

The discovery was reported to police on Thursday 21 August.

Nestle said the Food Standards Agency had also been informed.

A spokesman for the confectioner said: "We can confirm there was an incident at our factory in Fawdon, Newcastle, last week. The incident was immediately contained, the police were asked to investigate and we are working with them.

"The incident involved the discovery in product, prior to packing, of a standard prescription tablet, commonly prescribed to both adults and children.

"Our consumers and customers can be assured that all our products are completely safe."

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "Police are carrying out inquiries after a batch of confectionery was found to be contaminated at Nestle UK in Fawdon."

More than 400 people work at the Fawdon site which manufactures popular brands such as Fruit Pastilles, Rolos and Drifters.