Mice are the likely cause of holes found in dozens of squeezable baby food pouches at two Countdown distribution centres in Auckland.
Police launched an investigation after holes were found in baby food products in Auckland and Napier supermarkets on Saturday.
The mouse damage was caused by heavy rain and a strong attraction to sweeter or fruit-based baby food flavours, Countdown said in a media statement on Sunday.
Woolworths NZ has issued a nationwide recall of baby food pouches sold at Countdown, SuperValue and Fresh Choice.
All dates, flavours and batches of Smiling Tums, Only Organics and Natureland branded baby food pouches are affected by the recall.
"If you have any affected product please return it to the retailer or throw it out," says New Zealand Food Safety director of compliance Gary Orr.
"Mice must be kept away from food because they can contaminate the food and packaging with harmful microbes from their saliva, urine and droppings.
"Any food contamination is serious, but for babies it can be particularly significant, so we ask that parents check every squeezable baby food pouch in their home to ensure it is not affected by the recall."
Anyone who purchased the impacted brands is being asked to return the product to their nearest store for a full refund.
Countdown's general manager for food safety, Kiri Hannifin, says Countdown sincerely apologises to customers for the unease the last 24 hours may have caused.
"As a mum myself, I know the safety of the food you feed your baby is the most important thing. We sincerely apologise for any distress caused to our customers, our suppliers and your families."
All stocks of affected products will be removed from distribution centres and stores as a precaution.
The mouse activity is not related to any of the brands themselves, their production process or transportation.
There have been no reports of illness, however if your baby has consumed this product and you have concerns, please seek medical advice.
