The campaign aims to gauge the public's appetite for a $20 million plan to keep the factory open, and by yesterday had gathered $5.78m in public pledges.
However, the ODT was told yesterday a Mondelez marketing manager from Auckland had cautioned Cadbury workers to ''think very carefully'' before supporting the scheme.
The comment came during a monthly ''report back'' meeting between Mondelez representatives and workers held at the factory last Thursday.
The comment also concerned Etu industrial strategy director Neville Donaldson, who said he planned to raise it with Mondelez during a scheduled conference call on Friday.
He was not at last week's meeting, but heard about the comment from delegates.
It appeared to be a ''one-off comment'', but still had the potential to influence workers and the wider campaign, Mr Donaldson believed.
''I've got to accept at this point that Mondelez are operating in good faith ... I would be extremely disappointed and annoyed if, in fact, it was saying one thing and doing another, but I've got no evidence to that effect at this time.''
A Mondelez spokesman said the comment at last week's meeting had aimed to address ''confusion'' among staff, who wanted to know whether the crowdfunding campaign was an investment or a donation.
''We have responded by suggesting to the team they consider their options before making any financial commitments.
''This reflects the broader work under way to provide our people with budgeting advice ... as part of the support package being delivered to our people before site closure in March 2018.''
He dismissed any suggestion the company was opposed to Dr O'Malley's campaign.
''Our assessment process means there are some significant challenges for any manufacturer keen to take on this work, but we will continue to support all three interested parties over the coming days to ensure they have the opportunity to present a strong case to allow us to make a decision to move to the next phase in July.
''The process is ongoing and we haven't discounted any of the three options, and have not made this suggestion.''
Last week's meeting was held on the same day Mondelez International area vice-president for Australia, New Zealand and Japan, Amanda Banfield, visited the Dunedin factory.
She met members of the leadership team and other staff, but did not attend the meeting at which the comment to workers was made, the spokesman said.
Dr O'Malley's campaign centred on converting public pledges of financial support into future investment.
The aim was to raise $20m from a formal equity float, wealthy donors and other sources, to keep the factory open on part of its site.
