Nestle apologises for inappropriate illustration

COLOMBO: Nestle Lanka PLC together with Nestle Australia apologises without reservation for the inappropriate and insensitive use of the Buddha’s image on the packaging of MAGGI “World Flavours” sauces sold in Australia and apparently also in the United Kingdom, Nestle Lanka Managing Director Stuart Young said in a news release.

Once becoming aware of the offending packaging, Nestle Lanka immediately contacted Nestle Australia who advised that they had already been sensitised to the issue and as a consequence production of the products had ceased in March of this year.

However, owing to an oversight, the product illustrations regrettably remained on their website. They have now been removed.

As respect for local culture and religion is core to the Nestle Group’s Corporate Business Principles this unfortunate incident was clearly a result of ignorance and certainly there was no malicious or disrespectful intent, Young said.