KitKat Bites recalled in nuts allergy scare after packing mix-up
POUCHES of KitKat Bites could trigger a deadly allergic reaction after a factory mix-up, customers have been warned.
Manufacturer Nestle issued an urgent recall after “original milk chocolate” packs may have been accidently filled with the peanut butter version.
It said a batch of 104g pouches, labelled “KitKat original milk chocolate bites”, may have been incorrectly packed.
A statement said: “Although these packs are labelled with ‘may contain peanut and nuts’ there is a risk to anyone with a nut or peanut allergy who may consume their contents without realising.
“We are therefore making this recall as a precaution.
“The products are otherwise safe to consume and this does not affect any other KitKat products.”
The firm said that anyone who bought the KitKat original milk chocolate bites pouch bag with batch code 70720457V2 is advised to “dispose of the contents”. Nuts can cause allergic reactions which could turn deadly.
A severe reaction is known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms include tingling lips and mouth, swelling, rash, throat tightness and breathing difficulties. Reactions can start within minutes.
A spokesman for the company was unable to say how many pouches were affected but said it was “very small” compared to the number on sale.
The company added: “We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused by this voluntary recall.”
KitKat was created by Rowntree’s of York but is now produced globally by Nestle.
KitKat Bites are smaller versions of the original iconic chocolate biscuit fingers.
Brand expert Lou Ellerton said: “KitKat Bites are popular and this is embarrassing.
“If I had a peanut allergy I wouldn’t be choosing KitKat this weekend.
“Clearly it’s a serious issue in terms of product safety but the good thing is Nestle acted promptly and decisively, at considerable cost to themselves.”
Last month Thorntons recalled its dark chocolate Easter eggs because they “contained milk” which was not listed on the label.