Orion's Custard cream cakes recalled for staph bacteria in Korea

Orion's Custard cream cake [MINISTRY OF FOOD AND DRUG SAFETY]

Sales of Orion’s Custard cream cake snack have been halted and boxes are being recalled after reports of contamination with bacteria that cause food poisoning, the Food Ministry announced Wednesday.

The ministry said products made in and sold by Orion’s No. 4 factory in Cheongju, North Chungcheong, contained the staph bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea when consumed.

The Cheongju government has initiated the recall process, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

The recalled product has the production date of Dec. 22, 2023, and the expiry date of June 21, 2024. The boxes contain 12 cakes, each weighing 23 grams for a total of 276 grams.

“The North Chungcheong Cheongju government has taken measures to swiftly recall the products,” the Food Ministry said.

“Consumers who purchased the product should not consume it and return it to the place of purchase,” the ministry added.

The hotline number in Korea for unsanitary food products or sightings of illegal activity regarding food is 1399.

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]