It is to be noted that the same brand of chocolates, along with another globally popular brand, was at the centre of a major controversy in India last year when some of the chocolate bars were found to be adulterated with fungus and worm-infested.

Mankesh Walia bought the chocolate bar, containing nuts and raisins, from a store in Sharjah last Tuesday, and upon unwrapping the sweet was shocked to see a moth "embedded in it". "Fortunately, I spotted it before I could have taken a bite; and that was lucky because I had not removed the entire inner foil wrapping," he told Khaleej Times, adding that the production date of the bar is 21 November, 2003, while its expiry is mentioned as 19 November, 2004.

Referring to the reports in India about such cases at different times during last year, Mr Walia said that then he was very sure of the quality control of such internationally reputed brands and never believed their products could be contaminated. "I have been eating the same brand of chocolates for 26 years now, so this comes as a major shock. I don't believe them anymore," he commented, adding that he had actually bought the chocolate for his wife.

"I have contacted the Sharjah Municipality and they have asked me to submit the product in question at their laboratory for testing it," Mr Walia said, but clarified that he has not yet filed a formal complaint.

The chocolate bar in question, he said, has been kept under refrigeration at his residence, and is in a good condition.

Mr Walia also revealed that he was offered a 'replacement' of the product when he called a local dealer to report the problem.