Nestlé is currently facing preliminary charges of involuntary manslaughter in France following an E. coli outbreak in its pizzas two years ago. The charges have been brought against a subsidiary of Nestlé’s French arm, which manufactured the affected Buitoni Fraîch’Up frozen pizzas. The investigation is ongoing, with a final verdict not expected for a couple of years.
In response to the situation, a Nestlé spokesperson stated, “We recognize the incredible heartbreak that this tragedy has caused. We wish to reiterate our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.” Nestlé France is committed to taking full responsibility in the case and hopes that the legal proceedings will bring clarity and healing to the victims and their families.
Following the detection of E. coli in pizza flour at the factory in August 2021, Nestlé issued a recall of all Fraîch’Up pizzas sold in France since June 2021 and halted production. Approximately fifty children fell ill after consuming the contaminated products, resulting in the tragic deaths of two children.
After receiving approval to reopen the site in December 2022, Nestlé made the decision to close the Caudry factory last March due to declining sales caused by the aftermath of the nine-month closure and inflation. The company also reached a settlement deal with the majority of victims represented by lawyer Pierre Debuisson, offering equitable compensation proposals based on the seriousness of the damage and individual situations.
In March, it was reported that Nestlé had settled with the majority of the victims represented by lawyer Pierre Debuisson, offering equitable compensation proposals based on the seriousness of the damage and individual situations.
