The FASFC calls on consumers not to consume 5 chocolate products from the Ferrero brand. These products are linked to an outbreak of salmonella in several European countries.
The product recall concerns the following products, manufactured in the Ferrero factory in Arlon:
– Kinder Surprise 20g and 3x20g with a minimum durability date (MDD) between 07/11/22 and 10/7/22,
– Kinder Surprise Maxi with a minimum durability date (BDD) between 08/10/22 and 09/10/22
– Schoko Bons with a minimum durability date (MDD) between 08/10/22 and 09/10/22
– Kinder Mini Eggs with a minimum durability date (BDD) between 08/10/22 and 09/10/22.
Consumers who have these products in their possession are asked not to consume them.
These products are popular with young children. As Easter approaches, the FASFC asks parents to check whether they have these products in their possession and, if so, to ensure that they are not consumed.
The FASFC draws attention to a product recall carried out by the company Ferrero and which concerns products manufactured in their company in Arlon. Since the FASFC was informed of this file, the Agency has been carrying out additional and targeted checks at the level of the Ferrero company in Belgium.
Salmonella outbreaks in Europe
Following a series of outbreaks of Salmonella declared in different Member States, an investigation was carried out to identify the common source. The investigation showed that Ferrero’s “Kinder Surprise” chocolate eggs were a suspicious food product. In Belgium, there are currently no confirmed cases linked to this epidemic. A number of suspected cases are being investigated in cooperation with community health services and the national reference laboratory Sciensano.
What is Salmonella and what are the symptoms?
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause salmonellosis. There are different types of Salmonella. Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) and Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) serotypes have been responsible for the majority of human infections in recent years. Salmonellosis is a common infection that in most cases resolves without treatment. In some cases, salmonellosis can take on more serious forms. In case of severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor who can identify a suitable treatment.
Possible symptoms of salmonellosis foodborne infection are fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea within 6 to 72 hours of eating the infected food. Young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and the elderly are more likely to develop symptoms.
Consumers who have questions can contact the consumer contact point of the FASFC via the online form or on the free number 0800 13 550 (available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and Wednesday from 1 p.m. at 4:30 p.m.).