Nestlé's French branch announced on Friday that local authorities have filed charges against it in an investigation regarding the contamination of "Buitoni" brand frozen pizza products with E. coli bacteria, suspected of causing the death of two children. This scandal has severely impacted the frozen pizza market. It is also suspected that the contaminated pizza products have caused illnesses in dozens of children, raising concerns about serious consequences, including potential kidney damage.
Charges have been brought against a subsidiary of Nestlé that operates a factory in Caudry, northern France, where the pizzas are made, as well as against "Nestlé France" on July 2 and July 4, respectively, according to the company's statement. A spokesperson for "Nestlé France" stated that the charges include "involuntary manslaughter, causing injuries involuntarily, and fraud."
Lawyer Pierre Deboisson, who represents about 60 victims, stated, "This is a crucial step in understanding the origins of this tragedy. The many families I represent have been waiting for this eagerly." He added, "We can only hope that the indictment against Nestlé will strongly encourage major agricultural food groups to significantly enhance internal controls to ensure food safety for consumers."
