Nestlé in a statement today stressed that Nescafè Gold Blend is safe to drink and there is no reason for alarm.

It was reacting to international media reports about acrylamide in everyday food products which could give rise to misconceptions about acrylamide and Nescafè Gold Blend.

"Acrylamide is found in a wide range of cooked foods and not only in coffee. It is an ingredient which is formed naturally during the roasting process of coffee, " the company said.

"Nescafè Gold Blend is safe to drink and there is no reason for alarm. The acrylamide level in our coffee is and has always been safe. According to the Food Standards Agency, the levels of  acrylamide contained in Nescafé Gold Blend pose no risk to the human health. That advice has not changed. Should there be a risk to health, Nestlè would advice its consumers immediately and take necessary actions."

It added that numerous scientific studies over the last 30 years confirmed that moderate coffee consumption is safe, and increasingly suggested that it may also confer health benefits.

Nonetheless, it has voluntarily been committed to lowering the presence of acrylamide in coffee as much as possible. A Research and Development programme is already in place to find ways of reducing acrylamide in coffee.

Consumers may contact the Nestlé Customer Care Centre on freephone number 8007 2209.