The manufacturer of Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs is recalling them from New Zealand shelves because of potential contamination with salmonella bacteria.
Photo: AFP
It forms part of a global recall of the affected product, which was manufactured in a Belgian factory.
Manufacturer Ferrero International SA has announced the move because the contaminated batch is reportedly linked to some people becoming ill overseas.
The Ministry of Primary Industries said that some supplies of Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g (Natoons variety) with batch number L298R03UNB and best before date of 23 August 2022 have been supplied to stores in this country.
The following types of products have been recalled overseas and may also be in New Zealand:
- Kinder Surprise
- Kinder Surprise Maxi
- Kinder Mini Eggs
- Kinder Schokobon
- Kinder Egg Hunt
- Kinder Mix
- Kinder Maxi Mix
- Kinder Happy Moment
New Zealand Food Safety's deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle is encouraging people to check the label of any eggs they have to ensure they are not affected by the recall.
"Kinder products are made in a number of countries and affected product comes from only one Belgian manufacturer, so we encourage people to carefully check batch numbers.
"Anyone with affected product at home should not eat it. It should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Kinder Surprise eggs are popular with children because they contain small toys.
Arbuckle said salmonella infection can be especially dangerous for children under five, adults 65 and over, and people with weakened immune systems.
"Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after being exposed to the bacteria.
"The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most healthy adults recover without treatment."
Anyone worried they may have eaten affected product should seek medical advice.
MPI is also advising people to check its website where more batch numbers will be published once they become available.