Hundreds of tons of Kinder chocolates recalled for suspected salmonella

After the Buitoni pizza affair, it is the turn of the Ferrero group to have to carry out a massive recall. Less than two weeks from the Easter holidays, hundreds of tons of chocolates are recalled in France for a suspicion of salmonella. According to the Italian group Ferrero, the group “collaborates with public authorities” on “a potential link to reported salmonella cases”he said in a press release.

Salmonella contamination detected as early as December

A press release published Thursday, April 7 reveals that contamination with salmonella had already been detected in December. “As part of our control systems, the presence of salmonella was detected on December 15, 2021 at the Arlon site in Belgium”indicates the Belgian factory where the chocolates are made.

After performing a “thorough investigation”Ferrero claims that it would be a “filter at the outlet of the two raw material tanks” responsible for the development of this bacterium. The brand indicates that it removed the incriminated filter and allegedly “considerably increased the already high level of controls on semi-finished and finished products”.

Eight out of 21 hospitalized cases

“None of our Kinder products placed on the French market has tested positive for salmonella, we have not received any complaints from consumers”, indicated the company Monday evening. Since then, the General Directorate of Health has revealed that 21 cases of people infected with salmonellosis have been identified and eight of them have been hospitalized and returned home. The average age of these cases is 4 years.

The General Directorate of Health specifies that “These cases of salmonellosis have the same genetic strain as the strain responsible for an outbreak in the UK and Ireland, associated with the consumption of certain Kinder products subject to this recall.”

Symptoms of a salmonella infection

In fgeneral, a salmonella infection results in intestinal disorders such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. These signs can appear within 48 and 72 hours after consuming the contaminated products. They can be more severe in young children, immunocompromised people, pregnant women and the elderly.

In case of contamination, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The list of batches concerned

The products concerned are:

• Kinder Surprise 20g (by one, by three, by four and by six) and 100g with expiry dates between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2022;
• Kinder Schoko-Vouchers with expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August 2022;
• Kinder Mini Eggs with expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August;
• Kinder Happy Moments, Kinder Mix : 193g, Basket 150g, Plush 133g, Bucket 198g, with expiry dates at the end of August 2022.

If you have any of these products, Ferrero advises not to consume them and contact their consumer support team on 08 00 65 36 53 and at [email protected].