In a statement from New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) on Monday, deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said it was advised of the situation by Woolworths.
“A customer found a small metal pellet in a marshmallow egg from Countdown Pukekohe South. We are investigating the incident,” he told Newshub.
“Early indications from Woolworths are this may have happened due to pest management activities for birds, although this is yet to be confirmed.
“There are strict protocols for using air rifles for bird control, and we will be looking into this as part of our investigation.”
Arbuckle said Woolworths stores have been asked to check their stock for any other pellets, and a food compliance officer will be sent to the Pukekohe store.
“We are concerned that this has happened and will work with Woolworths to get to the bottom of what went wrong,” he said.