KINDER CONTAMINATED. Lots of Kinder chocolates and Advent calendars produced in Belgium are withdrawn from sale in France because they may cause salmonellosis. The Foodwatch association accuses Ferrero of having delayed recalling these batches. Which batches are affected? Info.
[Mise à jour le 15 avril 2022 à 17h27] bad publicity for Kinder (Ferrero group) in period of 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 The Kinder chocolates produced in the Ferrero factory in Arlon in Belgium are withdrawn from the market and the production plant was shut down on April 8 by the Belgian Food Agency (FASFC).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 from Belgium. Symptoms of a salmonella infection come in the form of a acute gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches, etc.) often accompanied by fever. In France, 21 cases of salmonellosis have been confirmed by Public Health France. 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. “the December 21, 2021, the epidemic began, with the first infected person in England. the March 25, an alert has been launched at European level. the April 4, the first procedure of removal of products from the shelves and the recall of Kinder is launched by Ferrero in France, i.e. 12 days after the first UK alert“ reveals the association food watch. “At April 8, 2022, 150 cases confirmed and probable cases of salmonellosis had been reported in nine countries (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands and Sweden) as well as in the United Kingdom. Infections have occurred primarily in children aged less than 10 years old” says the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). No need to return the products to stores, the 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? What are the symptoms ? How to do refund ?
What is the list of recalled Kinder lots?
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 All Kinder that have been produced in the Belgian factory are withdrawn from the market and recalled, regardless of their expiry date: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.
- Kinder Advent Calendar (431g, 133g, 184g, 311g, 243g, 127g)
- Cake Layer Cake 6/8 PARTS and 8/10 PARTS with Chocobons/Kinder as decoration. DLC until 04/16/2022 included, sold at Auchan (to be brought back to the point of sale).
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 email 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 should you know about 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.
Kinder scandal: two new foodwatch revelations, Foodwatch, April 13, 2022
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