Chocolate lovers across Lanarkshire have been asked not to eat Kinder Surprises over possible links to cases of salmonella.
Parent company Ferrero has ordered a recall of the popular treats in connection with a potential link to a salmonella outbreak which has affected young children.
They say only Kinder products manufactured in Belgium are affected with best before dates between July 11, 2022 and October 7, 2022.
Symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
A statement from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) read: "Ferrero is taking the precautionary action of recalling selected batches of Kinder Surprise because it might be contaminated with salmonella.
"Only Kinder Surprise products manufactured in Belgium are affected."
The products thought to be affected - 20g treats and packs of three 20g - have all been manufactured at the same factory in Belgium. Other products manufactured by Kinder are not thought to be affected.
Ferrero is recalling the product and point of sale notices will be displayed in retail stores that are selling Kinder Surprises.
These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
Ferrero's recall notice read: "We are voluntarily recalling selected batches of Kinder Surprise as a precautionary step, since we have become aware of a possible link to a number of reported cases of salmonella."
Lanarkshire families are being urged to be aware of the issue as Kinder Surprises are popular treats amongst young children in the run up to Easter.
The FSA's head of incidents, Tina Potter, 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.”
Customers are advised that if they have already bought the product do not eat it. Instead, contact the Ferrero consumer careline on consumers.uk@ferrero.com or 0330 053 8943 UK or +44 (0)330 053 8943 Ireland to obtain a full refund.
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