Kinder eggs return to US after five-decade ban

Kinder eggs will be crossing the pond for the first time in nearly 50 years after a US ban on them was overturned.

The classic Ferrero treat was outlawed in the US after failing to comply with Food and Drug Administration regulations prohibiting non-edible items from being hidden within foodstuffs, Today reports.

The original Kinder Surprise comes with a toy hidden inside the chocolate shell of the candy, which excited children but spooked US officials, who saw it as a health risk.

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But the new Kinder Joy will hit shelves in the US on 24 November, after it fell into line with FDA standards by adopting a new format. Half the new egg is chocolate and the other half contains a surprise toy, so the two elements are distinct.

Ferrero will release more than 40 different toys to “please any child”, including racing cars and crayons

“It's unlike anything currently on the US market,” Ferrero North America chief executive Paul Chibe. “The delicious, unique taste of Kinder Joy and the wide variety of toys will delight kids, while mum and dad will be surprised by the high quality of the confection and toys.”

Nearly five decades of absence has only made hearts grow fonder: 60,000 smuggled Kinder eggs were seized by US border officials in 2011 alone. Many Americans tweeted their excitement about being able to enjoy the treat legally.

But other Twitter users were offended by the new, safer version of the treat.

Each Kinder Joy will sell for $1.34 (£1). They will be available exclusively at Walmart for 30 days, and then at other retailers.