Prescription drugs found on Jelly Tots production line prompts police investigation

The incident occurred at the Nestlé factory in Newcastle

A close-up of Jelly Tot sweets (Flickr CC/Jo-marshall)

Police have launched an investigation after prescription tablets were found among Jelly Tots on a factory production line.

Northumbria Police Officers were called to the Nestlé plant in Fawdon, Newcastle, last week after staff discovered the medication in a factory hopper of sweets.

Nestlé has stressed that members of the public have not been put at risk by the finding as the medication was discovered before the sweets were packaged.

The company has not ordered a product recall as it was sure there was no contamination of sweets.

A Nestlé spokesman said: “The incident was immediately contained, the police were asked to investigate and we are working with them.

"It would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment until they have completed their investigation.

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

"We can confirm that, due to our rigorous quality procedures and immediate action, the incident was isolated and contained within our control.

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

After York, the Fawdon plant is the company's second largest in the UK and opened in 1958.

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

Additional reporting by PA