The FASFC calls on consumers not to consume 5 chocolate products of the Ferrero brand. These products have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella in several European countries.
The recall affects the following products manufactured at Ferrero’s Arlon plant:
– Children’s surprise 20g and 3x20g with a best-before date (MDD) between 07/11/22 and 10/7/22,
– Kinder Surprise Maxi with a minimum best before date (BDD) between 08/10/22 and 09/10/22
– Schoko Bons with a minimum best before date (MDD) between 08/10/22 and 09/10/22
– Kinder Mini Eggs with a minimum best before date (BDD) between 08/10/22 and 09/10/22.
Consumers in possession of these products are requested not to consume them.
These products are popular with young children. With Easter approaching, the FASFC is asking 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, 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 salmonella outbreaks reported in several Member States, an investigation has been launched to identify the common source. The investigation found that Ferrero’s “Kinder Surprise” chocolate eggs were a suspicious food item. There are currently no confirmed cases related to this epidemic in Belgium. A number of suspected cases are being investigated in collaboration with health services and the national reference laboratory Sciensano.
What is Salmonella and what are the symptoms?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause salmonellosis. There are different types of Salmonella. The serotypes Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) and Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) have been responsible for most infections in humans in recent years. Salmonellosis is a common infection that resolves without treatment in most cases. In some cases, salmonellosis can become more serious. In case of severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor who can identify an appropriate treatment.
Possible symptoms of a food infection from salmonellosis include: fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea within 6 to 72 hours of eating the contaminated food. Young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and the elderly are more likely to develop symptoms.
Consumers with questions can contact the consumer contact point of the FASFC via the online form or on the toll-free number 0800 13 550 (available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 12.30 pm and Wednesday from 1 pm to 4.30 pm).
