CFS continues to follow up on imported chocolate products with possible contamination of Salmonella

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 8) said that subsequent to earlier announcement that a Hong Kong importer had imported a kind of chocolate product which might have been contaminated with Salmonella, a pathogen, follow-up investigation showed that other importers had also imported the affected products. The CFS urged the public not to consume the products. The trade should stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess them.

Details of the products are as follows:

(Product 1)
Product name: Egg Hunt Kit
Brand: Kinder
Place of origin: Belgium
Net weight: 150 grams per pack
Best-before date: August 21, 2022
Importer: PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited
Recall hotline: 2606 8658

(Product 2)
Product name: KINDER Surprise Milk Chocolate Egg with Toy 3 x 20g
Brand: Kinder
Place of origin: Belgium
Net weight: 60 grams per pack
Best-before date: October 24, 2022
Importer: City Super Limited
Recall hotline: 2736 3866

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS has been closely following up on the notices issued by the Food Standards Agency of the UK and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the recall of Kinder products due to possible contamination by Salmonella. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers and retailers, and learnt during follow-up investigation that another importer had also imported the concerned product (Product 1)."

In addition, the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand also issued notice on the recall of other Kinder products due to possible contamination by Salmonella. After investigation, the CFS noted that another kind of chocolate product (Product 2) had also been imported to Hong Kong.

The importers concerned have stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected products and initiated recalls. Members of the public may call their hotlines during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the concerned products.

"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 products if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

The CFS has stepped up testing of related products as well as alerting the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up, closely liaise with overseas authorities and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Friday, April 8, 2022