A brand of baby biscuits imported into New Zealand has been recalled due to potential contamination with animal droppings.
New Zealand Food Safety has issued a warning against consuming Morinaga brand Manna Bolo baby biscuits, emphasizing the risk to infants and young children. Deputy director-general Vincent highlighted concerns about possible bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which could cause serious illness if ingested.
“These biscuits are marketed towards babies and young children, who are particularly vulnerable to bacteria from animal droppings,” Vincent stated. He advised consumers to return the products to their place of purchase for a refund, or dispose of them safely if returning them isn’t possible.
Symptoms of salmonellosis and E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Parents concerned that their child may have consumed the biscuits were urged to seek advice from healthcare professionals or contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 for assistance.
As of now, there have been no reported illnesses or complaints related to the biscuits, according to Arbuckle, a spokesperson for New Zealand Food Safety.
The affected biscuits were sold nationwide at Wholesale Club stores and ethnic supermarkets, and have since been removed from shelves. They have not been re-exported.
Arbuckle noted that Japanese authorities responsible for food safety are investigating the issue, although specific details about the type of animal droppings involved have not yet been disclosed.
Similar recalls have been initiated in Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
