IKEA India on Thursday said it has stopped the sale of its popular vegetarian biryani and samosas after a caterpillar was found in a customer's biryani last week.

A company spokesperson said that IKEA takes food safety and quality very seriously and that customers' health was always a priority. "IKEA India has voluntarily stopped sales of two of its most appreciated products - vegetarian biryani and samosa, sourced locally in India. IKEA follows strong internal processes to secure quality and takes full responsibility for its supply chain. IKEA India has initiated an internal review in order to take any corrective actions as needed," said the spokesperson.

"During the first month of operation, IKEA India has received a very positive response from the customers for the food at the IKEA store in Hyderabad. IKEA India will resume sales of the two products after it has secured the review process,” the person added.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had issued a notice to the firm on September 2 after the incident came to light.

Apologising over the "unfortunate experience", IKEA had said that it was investigating the matter and would take corrective action.

The civic body had also imposed a fine of Rs 11,500 on the IKEA store for allegedly flouting norms related to dry and wet waste segregation and use of plastic covers.

First Published:Sept 6, 2018 9:54 AM IST