Consumers in Scotland have been warned not to eat Kinder Surprise eggs just ahead of Easter following a potential link to a "salmonella outbreak".
Food Standards Scotland say a number of these cases have been young children.
Investigations led by health safety authorities across the UK, including Public Health Scotland, have found a link between reported cases of salmonella poisoning across the UK and a specific product produced by the Ferrero company.
The confectionary company in response has taken the precautionary step to undertake a product withdrawal and recall with immediate effect whilst investigations continue.
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.
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.
“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.”
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