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The Asia-Pacific regional management of the British-based firm told the Hong Kong government that the recall was a precautionary step.

The government announcement did not specify whether the products had indeed been contaminated by the chemical.

Tens of thousands of babies have been sickened and at least four killed by Chinese milk tainted by melamine.

Cadbury Asia-Pacific said the 11 products were manufactured at their Beijing plant and distributed in Hong Kong.

The products include Cadbury Eclairs, dark and milk chocolate, hazelnut and praline chocolate, dark Chocettes, and products made specially for the Chinese New Year (in February).

Cadbury's Asia Pacific region includes Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and South Korea. The recall order was so far only registered in Hong Kong.

"We appeal to the public to stop consuming the chocolate products concerned," said a spokesman for the government's Centre for Food Safety.

"We would alert the trade to stop selling the affected products," he added.