New Zealand

Kinder Surprise recall more chocolate products following suspected contamination

Last week's Kinder Surprise product recall has seen even more flagged for potential contamination.

This year's Easter egg hunt won't be featuring many Kinder-branded products, following more products involved in the larger global recall.

Last week, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g (Natoons variety) with batch number L298R03UNB and a best before date of August 23, 2022 were affected by the possible salmonella contamination and had been recalled from New Zealand stores.

But in a new statement issued today, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed that parent company Ferrero has extended its global recall to include additional Kinder chocolates that were made in the Belgium factories.

"The previous recall covered named products with best before dates up to October 7, 2022," said deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, Vincent Arbuckle.

Ferrero has confirmed the following products have been imported:

  • All batches of Kinder Surprise Maxi Eggs (100g) - White, Natoons, Frozen, Christmas and Miraculous Range

  • All batches and sizes of Kinder Mini Eggs Hazelnut

  • All batches of Kinder Happy Moments Ballotin (190g) - Christmas product

  • All batches of Kinder (133g) with a plush toy - Christmas product

"The key thing to remember is to check the label of Kinder chocolates. If it says 'Made in Belgium' it will be covered by the recall and should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. If you are in any doubt, please return the product to the place of purchase," Arbuckle told Newshub.

"There are no reported cases of related illness in New Zealand. Affected product has not been re-exported."

More up-to-date information on the recall can be found on the Food Recall website.