CFS urges public not to consume one kind of imported chocolate product suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 6) urged the public not to consume a kind of imported chocolate product, as the product might have been contaminated with Salmonella, a pathogen. The trade should stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

     Details of the product are as follows:

Product name: Egg Hunt Kit
Brand: Kinder
Place of origin: Belgium
Net weight: 150 grams per pack
Best-before date: August 21, 2022
Importer: City Super Limited

     "The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, earlier noted notices issued by the Food Standards Agency of the UK and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) that certain Kinder products are under recall because they might have been contaminated by Salmonella," a spokesman for the CFS said.

     Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers and retailers. Preliminary investigation found no local availability of the affected products. Afterwards, the CFS learned that the FSAI issued another notice regarding an extended recall of additional Kinder products. The CFS again followed up with major local importers and retailers, and it was revealed that the above-mentioned product has been imported to Hong Kong. The importer concerned has stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected product and initiated a recall. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the concerned product.

     "Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and persons with a weak immune system could be more severe and may even lead to death," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected product if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

     The CFS will step up testing of related products as well as alerting the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.