Locals are being urged to check their cupboards after a recall of Morinaga baby biscuits due to possible contamination with animal droppings.

New Zealand Food Safety is assisting Tokyo Food Company Ltd and Wholesale Club with the recall of imported Morinaga brand Manna Bolo baby biscuits.

"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," said deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

The recalled products, also withdrawn in Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, are sold at ethnic grocery stores nationwide.

Consumers can return the biscuits for a refund or dispose of them if returning is not feasible.

Symptoms of Salmonella and E. coli infections include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

If a child has consumed the biscuits and shows these symptoms, contact a health professional or call Healthline at 0800 61 11 16 for advice.

Arbuckle confirmed that no complaints or illness reports have been received in New Zealand.

For more details, visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page.