KINDER CONTAMINATED. Batches of Kinder chocolates produced in Belgium are withdrawn from sale and consumers must not consume them. The factory concerned manufactures 7% of all Kinder products. Ferrero shut it down. Batches concerned, reimbursement, number: info.
[Mise à jour le 11 avril 2022 à 10h40] bad publicity for Kinder (Ferrero group) as the holidays approach Easter. The Kinder chocolates produced in the Ferrero factory in Arlon in Belgium are withdrawn from the market and the production plant was shut down on April 8 by the Belgian Food Agency (FASFC). In question, a salmonellosis epidemic in several European countries after the consumption of chocolates. “Only Kinder products manufactured in Arlon are affected by this recall. The Arlon plant represents about 7% of total Kinder product volume manufactured worldwide over a year” according to the group Ferrero. In France, 21 cases of salmonellosis have been confirmed by Public Health France. Eight of them were hospitalized and have all returned home. The median age of cases is 4 years. The list of Kinder chocolates concerned was provided by Ferrero (see below). On April 7, Ferrero indicated that “the presence of salmonella was detected on December 15, 2021 at the Arlon site”. Salmonella was detected on “a filter at the output of two tanks of raw materials”explains the manufacturer. Ferrero asks consumers to “do not return your products to the store to avoid any confusion”. Reimbursement is made after contacting the brand by phone or email and in the form of vouchers. What are the Kinder chocolates concerned by the risk of salmonellosis? How to do refund ?
What is the list of Kinder lots affected by the recall?
The list of Kinder products recalled by Ferrero has been completed. All Kinder that have been produced in the Belgian factory are withdrawn from the market and recalled, regardless of their expiry date:
- Kinder Surprise 20g (by one, by three, by four and by six) and 100g (Kinder Maxi)
- Kinder Schoko-Bons milk and white sachets of 125 g, 150 g, 200 g, 225 g, 300 g, 330 g, 350 g, 480 g, 500 g
- Kinder Mini Eggs, hazelnut, cocoa, milk, Kinder Mini Eggs mix
- Kinder Happy Moments: 191g, 242g, 347g and 400g.
- KinderMix : Bag 193g, Basket 150g, Plush 133g, Bucket 198g, Car 125g.
As a precaution, some distributors preferred to withdraw all the Kinder they had put in store without distinguishing between the products listed in the manufacturer’s recall and the other Kinder on the shelves. The expiry date indicated on each packaging makes it possible to know if the product is concerned by the recall.
What to do if you have contaminated Kinder at home?
People holding these products are asked to do not consume them and throw it away. But before throwing it away: take a photo of the packaging with the product references (Best Before Date, barcode number) and send it by email to Ferrero’s address to request a refund: [email protected]. “People who have consumed the products mentioned above and who show the symptoms [de la salmonellose]are invited to consult their attending physician without delay by informing him of this consumption. In addition, in order to limit person-to-person transmission (especially in households with young children), it is recommended to wash your hands well with soap and water after going to the toilet, after changing your child, and before cooking” recommends Public Health France.
Provided with a photo of the packaging with the product references (Best Before Date, barcode number), consumers can call the phone number provided by the company to obtain a refund: 08 00 65 36 53 and/or thefollowing email address: [email protected]. “Our consumer service has been strengthened with several hundred people mobilized to answer all your requests and communicate to you the terms of compensation“ says Ferrero in a communicated April 8. Before asking consumers to “do not return your products to the store to avoid any confusion”. “If you have any of the products affected by the ongoing recall, we urge you not to consume it and contact us.”
What number to call to reach Ferrero and get reimbursed?
The telephone number set up by Ferrero is 08 00 65 36 53. “Many of you contact us and we are aware of the waiting times on the helpline. We sincerely thank you for your patience and we want to assure you that each request will be dealt with.” informs the manufacturer on April 8. Affected consumers can also contact the company by email at [email protected].
What are the risks of salmonella?
Salmonella are bacteria responsible for salmonellosis. Salmonella infections manifested by acute gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, etc.) often accompanied by fever within 48 hours of consuming the contaminated products. These symptoms may be aggravated in young children, immunocompromised subjects, pregnant women and the elderly. In the cases more serious, this infection may progress to a septicaemic or localized form, which may require hospitalization. If in doubt, consult a doctor indicating the consumption of the chocolates concerned.
Recall of all Kinder products manufactured at the Arlon factory, closed by the Belgian authorities – 08/04/2022
Withdrawal-recall of Kinder brand products (Kinder surprise, Kinder surprise Maxi, Schoko-Bons and Kinder Mini Eggs) due to suspected Salmonella Typhimurium infection, Public Health France press release, April 4, 2022
Ferrero is voluntarily recalling certain batches of Kinder surprise, Schoko-bons and Mini eggs in France, Ferrero press release, April 5, 2022