The Ministry for Primary Industries says 59 cartons of icecream have been recalled after Hong Kong authorities found it had excessive levels of Coliform bacteria, such as E. coli from digestive tracts and faeces.

Photo: AFP

The legal limit there for coliform counts in frozen confections is 100 organisms per gram, but the New Zealand Natural brand "Chocolate Ecstasy" ice cream has more than triple that.

The Ministry for Primary Industries said the level of coliform was not an immediate food safety issue, and the recall was a precautionary measure.

The spokesperson said the product met all New Zealand food safety standards before it was exported, and the count was under 1 coliform per gram.

He said MPI was working with Hong Kong authorities and the company, New Zealand Natural, to investigate the difference in numbers.