He laments “a human drama”. The boss of Nestlé France, Christophe Cornu, presents his “apologies” families of children affected by contamination linked to the consumption of Buitoni frozen pizzas and announces the creation of a “victim support fund”in an interview published Monday, July 11 by Le Figaro.
“I want to express my deepest sympathy and apologies today.”
Christophe Cornu, CEO of Nestléin “Le Figaro”
Pizzas from Buitoni’s Fraîch’Up range are suspected of having caused the death of two children, contaminated by E. Coli bacteria. A judicial investigation was opened in particular for involuntary homicide against a person, involuntary injuries concerning 14 people, placing on the market of a product dangerous to health and endangering others.
A fund effective from September 1
“We have decided to create a support fund for victims”announces Christophe Cornu, without revealing the amount he will devote to it. “It will in no way replace the compensation that justice may decide. Set up on September 1, it will be administered by a trusted third party, an association that we are in the process of choosing.”
“This fund will provide assistance to these affected families, who, beyond the suffering, may also be facing financial difficulties, such as loss of income.”
Christophe Cornu, CEO of Nestléin “Le Figaro”
Regarding the origin of the contamination, “While at this stage we are not excluding any hypothesis on the origin of the bacteria, we are currently pursuing in-depth investigations on the flours used on the Fraîch’Up line”notes the boss of Nestlé France, stressing that it is not a question, “at present, only a suspicion”.
“I cannot commit to an end date for the investigation, but I undertake to give all the answers as soon as we know more.”
Christophe Cornu, CEO of Nestléin “Le Figaro”
Regarding the restarting of the Caudry plant, “the Fraîch’Up line will not restart until all the light has been shed on the origin of the bacteria”says Christophe Cornu.