Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs have been recalled in Northern Ireland over a potential link to a salmonella outbreak.
It comes after 57 people have become ill with salmonella in the UK, with just over three quarters of those being kids aged five or younger.
The products affected are 20g eggs and three-pack of eggs with best before dates between July 11, 2022 and October 7, 2022.
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Investigations led by the UK HSA, Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, Public Health Scotland, and Public Health Wales found a link between reported cases of salmonella poisoning across the UK and the specific product produced by the Ferrero company.
In response to this, Ferrero has taken the precautionary step to undertake a product withdrawal and recall with immediate effect whilst investigations continue. The product thought to be affected have all been manufactured at the same factory.
Other products manufactured by Kinder are not thought to be affected.
To reduce the risk of any further illness, consumers should not eat the products listed in the recall alert and they/the parent or guardians of children should follow the risk advice within it.
Symptoms of salmonellosis typically resolve themselves within a few days and include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. However, symptoms can be more severe and lead to hospitalisation, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.
Tina Potter, FSA Head of Incidents, said: "We welcome the precautionary approach being taken by Ferrero and are advising consumers not to eat any of the products listed in the FSA alert.
"It is really important that consumers follow this advice to avoid the risk of becoming ill with salmonella poisoning.
“We know that these particular products are popular with young children, especially as Easter approaches, so we would urge parents and guardians of children to check if any products already in their home are affected by this recall.
"The food business involved has voluntarily carried out this product withdrawal and recall and we are working closely with them and their competent authorities to identify the precise cause of this outbreak. We are also working closely with UK and international partners including UKHSA and Food Standards Scotland.”
Full details of the products affected can be found in the product recall information notice.
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