Mumbai, Oct 05: Cadbury chocolates had a bitter taste on Saturday after the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) directed seizure of the popular brand of chocolates following complaints that some samples of the confectionery had been found with worms.
However, the company denied the charge and maintained that its chocolates were of good quality and free from infestation. Officials of the state FDA, which issued a stop-sale order on Friday after getting complaints of worm infestation in Cadbury chocolates, will give their report to the administration on Monday, the watchdog body’s commissioner, Uttam Khobragade, said on Saturday.

Cadbury issued a press note stating it has checked the relevant factory’s samples and has found them to be of good quality and free of any infestation. ‘‘The company affirms the product leaving the factory is of high quality,’’ the Press release stated. The statement added that chocolates are susceptible to infestation if they are stored near grains and cereals, or in unhygienic conditions.

The company provides retailers with storage dispensers and visi-coolers for adequate protection and every product label mentions care instructions: ‘Store in cool, hygienic and dry place.’ ‘‘We believe that by and large retailers follow our operating instructions and adhere to the required storage conditions,’’ the statement added. The FDA swung into action after aggrieved consumers from suburban Andheri in north-west Mumbai lodged a complaint regarding the presence of worm from a packet bought in the locality.