Morinaga Baby Biscuits Recalled Over Potential Contamination with Animal Droppings – texasagpress

In a significant public health alert, New Zealand Food Safety has announced a recall of imported Morinaga brand Manna Bolo baby biscuits due to potential contamination with animal droppings. This alarming discovery raises serious concerns, particularly as these products are marketed towards babies and young children, who are especially vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.

Health Risks Associated with Contamination

Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The concern with these biscuits is that they are marketed at babies and young children, who could get seriously sick from bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella if they swallow animal droppings,” he stated. These bacteria can lead to severe health issues, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Parents and caregivers are urged to be vigilant and monitor their children for any symptoms if they suspect consumption of the affected biscuits.

Recall Details and Consumer Guidance

The affected Morinaga brand Manna Bolo biscuits have been recalled not only in New Zealand but also in Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. These products are primarily sold at ethnic grocery stores across the country. New Zealand Food Safety advises consumers to refrain from consuming these biscuits and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If returning the product is not feasible, it is recommended to dispose of the biscuits safely.

For those seeking more information, including photographs of the recalled product, New Zealand Food Safety has provided resources on their official recall page. Visit the recall page here.

No Reports of Illness Yet

As of now, New Zealand Food Safety has not received any complaints or notifications of illnesses related to the consumption of these biscuits. However, the agency is taking proactive measures to ensure public safety by removing the products from store shelves and preventing any re-exportation.

International Cooperation and Ongoing Investigations

The recall is part of a broader international effort, as Japanese food safety authorities are also involved in investigating the matter. Arbuckle noted, “Japanese food safety authorities are responsible for this matter, and we have not been informed which type of animal dropping this might be.” This lack of specific information adds to the urgency of the recall, as it underscores the need for thorough investigation and transparency.

Ensuring Food Safety in New Zealand

While the vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the potential risks that can arise in food production and distribution. New Zealand Food Safety encourages consumers to stay informed and proactive about food safety. One way to do this is by subscribing to recall alerts, which can provide timely updates on any food safety issues.

For those interested in subscribing to recall alerts, more information can be found here.

Seeking Medical Advice

If parents or caregivers are concerned about their child’s health after consuming the recalled biscuits, they are advised to contact a health professional immediately. Alternatively, they can call Healthline at 0800 61 11 16 for free advice.

Conclusion

The recall of Morinaga brand Manna Bolo baby biscuits serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. By staying informed and taking appropriate action, consumers can help protect their families from potential health risks. For further inquiries, individuals can contact the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) at 0800 00 83 33 or email [email protected]. For media inquiries, the media team can be reached at 029 894 0328.