Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Salmonella surprise prompts Kinder egg recall

Ferrero International S.A. has issued a recall of Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from New Zealand shelves due to the stock being potentially contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

In a statement, the Ministry of Primary Industries said there had been cases of illnesses reportedly linked to the product overseas, but none so far in New Zealand.

The New Zealand recall is part of a global recall by the Belgian chocolate manufacturer.

The following products in New Zealand have been recalled: 

  • Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g (Natoons variety) with batch number L298R03UNB and best before date of 23 August 2022.
  • Specific batches of Kinder brand products

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

“People who have Kinder Surprise eggs at home are encouraged to check the label to ensure it is not affected by the recall,” said New Zealand Food Safety’s Deputy Director-General, Vincent Arbuckle.

“If you are in any doubt please return the product to the place of purchase. It is important to note that more details regarding the specific batches affected by the recalls are published on MPI food recalls. We encourage people to visit the page for ongoing updates.

MPI food recalls

“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.

“We know these products, which contain small toys, are particularly popular with children, so we urge people to take every precaution. The effects of salmonella infection can be serious, particularly in children younger than 5 years, adults 65 and over, and people with weakened immune systems.

“If you or a family member has eaten product affected by the recall and have concerns for your health, seek medical advice,” he said.

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.

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