Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
Nestlé South Africa recalls limited Kit Kat products
Recall announced
Nestlé South Africa announced a voluntary recall of a limited number of Kit Kat milk chocolate products because they might contain small glass pieces. The company said the issue was found during routine checks, that it had received no complaints or reports of injury, and that the recall covers only products with specified production codes.
Stated objective. The company said it initiated the recall as a precaution.
Company response
Investigation — Nestlé
We are currently investigating what went wrong.
Remediation — Nestlé
Having spotted the problem, we took steps immediately to fix it.
Remediation — Nestlé
We have put in place extra measures to further strengthen our quality and safety checks to make sure it does not happen again.
Apology — Nestlé
We understand that people will be concerned and apologise unreservedly to them.
Source excerpt
Nestlé South Africa has announced a voluntary recall of a limited number of Kit Kat milk chocolate products due to the possibility that they may contain small glass pieces.
Nestlé said the presence of small pieces of glass was discovered in the product during routine quality and safety checks.
2022
Nestlé India withdraws KitKat packs after backlash
Company response
After social media backlash over images of Hindu deities on a limited KitKat range, Nestlé India withdrew the packs from the market and apologized, saying it regretted inadvertently hurting religious sentiments.
Company response
Apology — Nestle India
Following the strong backlash on social media, the firm issued an apology
Remediation — Nestle India
Informing consumers about the withdrawal of the packs from the market
Source excerpt
Informing consumers about the withdrawal of the packs from the market, Nestle India further said that they understand the sensitivity of the matter and regret inadvertently hurting anyone's sentiment.
Nestle India, a subsidiary of the world's largest food and beverage company, has withdrawn a range of chocolate bars after facing backlash from social media users for using photos of Hindu Gods on the wrapper.
Following the strong backlash on social media, the firm issued an apology and tweeted to convey that the intention was not to hurt anyone's religious sentiments.
2022
Backlash over religious imagery on KitKat packaging
Public backlash
Netizens criticized Nestle’s KitKat campaign for featuring images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Mata Subhadra on wrappers. Nestle said the packs were intended to celebrate local destinations, expressed regret if it had hurt anyone’s sentiments, and said it had initiated withdrawal of the packs from the market.
Stated objective. Nestle said the packs were meant to celebrate beautiful local destinations.
Company response
Apology — Nestle
We do understand the sensitivity of the matter and regret if we have inadvertently hurt anyone’s sentiment.
Remediation — Nestle
With immediate action we had already initiated withdrawal of these packs from the market.
Source excerpt
With immediate action we had already initiated withdrawal of these packs from the market.
As a part of this campaign, the KitKat wrapper features a picture of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Mata Subhadra.
Netizens were less than excited about this new KitKat ad campaign and they said that these wrappers will be found in trashcans, gutters and many will walk over it once people are finished with the chocolate.
2021
Nestle India apologises for incorrect KitKat packaging depiction
Company response
Nestle India apologised after authorities objected to KitKat packaging that placed Keibul Lamjao National Park in Meghalaya and displayed a Red Panda said not to be found there. The company spokesperson said it would launch two new packs celebrating the parks.
Company response
Apology — Nestle India
New Delhi: FMCG major Nestle India on Friday apologised for wrongly depicting Manipur's Keibul Lamjao National Park location in Meghalaya on the packaging of its KitKat chocolate after objection by authorities from the state government.
Source excerpt
New Delhi: FMCG major Nestle India on Friday apologised for wrongly depicting Manipur's Keibul Lamjao National Park location in Meghalaya on the packaging of its KitKat chocolate after objection by authorities from the state government.
The spokesperson further said,"We are launching two new packs as soon as possible to bring to light the beauty of these destinations.