CHILE— Nestle, a global leader in the food industry, has called on the National Consumer Service (SERNAC) to curb the circulation of fake refill stand-up pouches in the Chilean market.
According to the industry powerhouse, these counterfeit products pose a potential ‘health risk’ to the consumers.
“Its contents, as well as the storage, emptying, and packaging conditions of this product, are unknown, which is why there is the possibility of physical, chemical, microbiological, and/or allergenic contamination,” the company said.
However, the company remained tight-lipped on the exact health risks the contaminated products posed.
Nestle said that it does not produce the 50-gram refill format sold by counterfeiters, speaking a warning against those using obsolete labels that has not been in use for the past five years.
The statement also cautioned the public against counterfeit products, urging them to look out for products in packages without barcodes or batch numbers.
Nestle also revealed it has not discovered any counterfeit products in its instant coffee formats.
Earlier, Chilean authorities, through SERNAC, had issued a public alert regarding these counterfeit products, calling on consumers and retailers to be weary of fake products and report any substandard good.
“We will refer and request the support of the Public Ministry so that those who commit this type of crimes can respond not only to consumers but also to justice for any crimes they have committed,” said Andres Herrera, SERNAC’s National Director.
The discovery of counterfeit products marks the second time in 8 months that Nestle has faced challenges with its products.
The company discovered the counterfeit products after it announced plans to suspend production of Perrier water in France after a well was contaminated. The contamination happened after a period of heavy rain.
Nestle reported discarding several product batches after the French authorities called for the suspension.
However, the company reported batches sent to retail outlets were safe to drink and did not pose any health risks to consumers.
This was after the company implemented a ‘strengthened testing protocol’ with French authorities following the discovery.
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