Kinder and salmonellosis: hundreds of cases associated with the “epidemic focus” of the Belgian factory

An open investigation

Following declared cases of salmonellosis after consuming Kinder chocolates, an investigation was opened to discover the seat of these infections. On April 12, EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority along with ECDC, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control “identified chocolate products made by a company in its Belgian production plant as the source of the outbreak of salmonella”.

The track of the Belgian Kinder factory therefore seems to be confirmed, a few days after the closure of the chocolate factory in Arlon, Belgium.

No deaths reported to date

An epidemic of salmonellosis, a disease caused by a bacterium, is raging in several European countries following the consumption of Kinder chocolate produced in this factory in Belgium. Salmonellosis is manifested by signs similar to those of gastroenteritis, namely diarrhea, abdominal cramps or even mild fever, which are sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported to date.

According to European health agencies, 150 cases linked to the Belgian epidemic outbreak have been declared, “mainly in children under 10 years old” and across nine countries in Europe, including Germany, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden.

According to the report from Public Health France, 21 cases of salmonellosis spread throughout France have been confirmed. Among them :

• 8 were hospitalized;
• all went home.

The median age of the little patients was 4 years.

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

All products from the Kinder range from the Ferrero production site in Arlon are concerned, regardless of their expiry date:

• Kinder Surprise 20g (by one, by three, by four and by six) and 100g;
• Kinder Schoko-Bons milk 125g, 150g, 200g, 300g, 330g, 350g, 480g and 500g and Kinder Schoko-Bons White 200g and 300g;
• Kinder Happy Moments 191g, 242g, 347g and 400g;
• Kinder Mini Eggs hazelnut, cocoa, milk and Kinder Mini Eggs mix;
• Kinder Mix: Bag 193g, Basket 150g, Plush 133g, Bucket 198g, Car 125g.

People holding these products are asked not to consume them and to throw them away.