YORK-BASED confectionery giant Nestlé UK has called in police over contamination on one its production lines.

Staff found prescription pills among Jelly Tots at the firm's factory in Fawdon, Newcastle.

The company stressed none of the affected sweets had been distributed and there was no risk to the public. The contamination was found before packaging. 

A spokesman for Nestlé UK, based at the Wigginton Road factory in York, said: "We can confirm that there was an incident at our factory in Fawdon, Newcastle, last week.

"The incident was immediately contained, the police were asked to investigate and we are working with them.

"It would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment until they have completed their investigation.

"The incident involved the discovery, in product prior to packing, of a standard prescription tablet, commonly prescribed to both adults and children.

"We can confirm that, due to our rigorous quality procedures and immediate action, the incident was isolated and contained within our control.

"Our consumers and customers can be assured that all our products are completely safe."

The company has not ordered a product recall as it was sure there was no contamination of sweets.

More than 400 people work at the Fawdon site which also manufactures popular brands such as Fruit Pastilles, Rolos and Drifters.