salmonella in which chocolateidentified so far 150 cases of infection across Europe (but none in Italy). The most severe cases mainly affect children under the age of ten, but the investigations allowed to set up because and what happened at the plant Ferrero from Arlon, Belgium.
Salmonella in chocolate: cases in Europe reach 150. Ferrero: “They do not affect Easter eggs in Italy”
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Salmonella from chocolate, affected European countries
EFSA and ECDC, the two European agencies responsible for food safety and disease prevention and control, report that cases of salmonella from chocolate products so far have affected France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Belgium. In the latter country, the Arlon factory is located in the Ardennes, where Ferrero has suspended its activities as a precaution.
Salmonella from chocolate, the cause discovered
According to reconstructions by EFSA and ECDC, the salmonella strain was detected in a buttermilk tank at the Belgian plant in December 2021. Hygiene measures have been taken and sampling and testing of products and the processing environment has been increased. After repeated negative tests for the bacterium, production and sale of the products continued. However, in late March, after sequencing data became available, scientists linked human cases to the facility in Belgium using advanced molecular typing techniques. And from April 2nd, health reports from the competent national authorities began. Ferrero, which Efsa and Ecdc do not mention in their report, has voluntarily recalled certain products and batches in different countries. And on April 8, 2022, the Belgian food authority withdrew the manufacturing license after official controls. The company then recalled all products that had left the Belgian factory, regardless of batch number or expiration date, while the Belgian judiciary began a proper investigation.
Chocolate Salmonella, the most severe cases in children
The “outbreak is evolving and so far among the reported cases, children have been the most at risk of serious infections,” stresses the EFSAECDC report, which underlines how “the recalls and withdrawals initiated around the world will reduce the risk of further infections”. Experts EFSA and ECDC, with whom Ferrero continues to work, say further investigation is needed to identify the root cause, timing and possible factors of contamination, including assessment of possible wider use of contaminated raw materials at other processing plants.
Salmonella from chocolate, no case in Italy
Italy has so far seen no cases of salmonella from Kinder and Ferrero chocolate products. Kinder Sorpresa and Kinder GranSorpresa Easter Eggs are made in the historic factory in Alba (Cuneo), where the business continues regularly.