Scottish shoppers have been urged against buying a popular chocolate egg in the run up to Easter in the wake of concerns over links to food poisoning.
Food Standards Scotland cautioned a number of young children had suffered issues with salmonella after ingesting the Kinder Surprise snacks in recent weeks.
Health bosses from across the UK say they have found firm links between the cases and the confectionary, produced by the Ferrero company.
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The product thought to be affected have all been manufactured at the same factory in Belgium. Other products manufactured by Kinder are not thought to be affected.
A recall has since been issued with immediate effect whilst investigations continue.
The Kinder Surprise singular egg at 20g and the Kinder Surprise pack at 20g x 3 are impacted. All of the products with the best before date between July 11, 2022, and October 7, 2022, have been recalled.
Food Standards Scotland say that symptoms of salmonellosis typically resolve themselves within a few days but include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Tina Potter, Food Standards Agency Head of Incidents, 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.
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“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.”
