Ferrero extends Kinder recall as FSA salmonella investigation continues
Investigations led by UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland have found a link between reported cases of salmonella poisoning across the UK and products produced by the Ferrero company.
As a result of the continuing investigation, Ferrero has widened its recall to cover all products produced in its factory in Arlon, Belgium. This included Kinder Surprise 20g and 20g x 3, Kinder Surprise 100g, Kinder Mini eggs 75g, Kinder Egg Hunt Kit 150g and Kinder Schokobons 200g.
Best before dates
Kinder Surprise 20g and 20g x 3 included in the recall carry best before dates up to and including 7 October 2022, while the rest of the affected products include all dates from 20 April 2022 up to and including 21 August 2022.
The FSA noted that the packaging of these products does not refer to the Belgium factory where they were made and may include a different contact address. Consumers were advised not to eat the products and instead contact Ferrero directly to obtain a full refund.
In 2006, Cadbury was forced into a precautionary recall of one million of its chocolate products, which is believed to have cost £15-£20m after traces of salmonella were discovered in some samples. No parallels are being drawn between the historic incident and the one affecting Kinder, but the Cadbury case illustrates how problematic the discovery of even minimal salmonella traces in chocolate can be.
Minimising the risk
Commenting on the latest development in the Ferrero recall, FSA head of incidents Tina Potter said: “We have taken action along with local authorities and authorities in Belgium to minimise the risk based on the evidence so far.
“We welcome the precautionary approach being taken by Ferrero and are advising consumers not to eat any of the products listed in the FSA alert. It is really important that consumers follow this advice to avoid the risk of becoming ill with salmonella poisoning.”
Meanwhile, an ongoing outbreak of listeria in the UK has been linked to smoked fish, according to an investigation led by the UK Health Security Agency, Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland.
