The release was sent out by news service PR Newswire and stated that an investigation had been launched into the supply chain, "due to a recent number of reported voluntary recalls on its food products across the world, most notably its cereal and fast food items in the US, UK, Europe and Asia".

But General Mills quickly identified and removed the release and are now working with police to identify the culprits.

Spokesman Tom Forsythe said: "We were the victim of a hoax. We found the false release and removed it within minutes, but even false information can still spread incredibly quickly on the Internet.

"This information did not come from the company. It was not authorised or confirmed by the company. We are shocked that the news release was posted. It was quite clearly and obviously a hoax."

It is thought the hoax, which was also found on Dow Jones newswires, was intended to influence stock prices.