08/04/2022 11:12 (act 08/04/2022 14:50)
Salmonella in children’s chocolate: filter at the outlet of the tank as a cause. ©APA/AFP/dpa/OLE SPATA
The presence of salmonella has been known since December 15, 2021, Ferrero announced on Friday. The cause of the contamination of Kinder chocolate with salmonella is believed to have been a filter at the outlet of two raw material tanks at a Belgian factory.
Ferrero announced in a broadcast on Friday that the presence of salmonella was detected on December 15, 2021. Investigations were then initiated to find the place of origin.
Cases of salmonella after consumption of children’s products
The affected children’s products were manufactured in Arlon, Belgium. Working with several food safety and health authorities in Europe, Ferrero said this showed a genotype comparison between reported cases of salmonella in Europe and the Arlon plant.
Controls have been tightened
Once it became clear that the filter was the cause, materials and finished products were blocked rather than released, and the filter was immediately replaced. In addition, “the already high level of controls over semi-finished and finished products has increased significantly”.
Salmonella: These children’s chocolate products are affected
“The matter is being investigated in collaboration with the food safety authorities”, assured Ferrero. “The recall, initiated as a precaution and related to products made in Belgium, will be implemented with trading partners in all target countries for the affected batches of Kinder Surprise Eggs, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g and Kinder Schokobons.” All other children’s products and Ferrero are not affected by this recall. “We deeply regret this matter and would like to thank the authorities for their continued cooperation and recommendations.”
Up to 105 confirmed cases of salmonella – none in Austria
Several European countries have collected the children’s products. According to EU authorities, 105 confirmed cases of salmonella and 29 suspected cases have been recorded so far. According to the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), there has not yet been a case in Austria.
You can see which articles are affected here