Kinder products linked to salmonella outbreak; company recalls surprise chocolate eggs

File Photo (Reuters)

New Delhi: UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised customers not to eat certain Kinder products with best before dates between July 11, 2022, and October 7, 2022, after a possible link was found to cases of salmonella, said a Reuters report.

Investigations, led by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 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 a specific product produced by the Ferrero company.

Following the warning on April 2, Ferrero reportedly took the precautionary step to undertake a product withdrawal and recall with immediate effect whilst investigations continue. Ferrero said the affected chocolate was manufactured in Belgium and the recall may be extended to other countries.

The recall by the Italian confectionery company affects single and multipack Kinder Surprise eggs, a popular treat marketed at children containing small collectable toys inside a chocolate shell.

If you give a child an egg, they’ll take care of the egg because they know how fragile…Oh, never mind  #eggchallenge pic.twitter.com/cpZ3nkYPwf

— Kinder US (@kinderus) February 23, 2022

However, Ferrero India has said that India is not involved in the voluntary recall of selected Kinder Surprise manufactured in Belgium.

"Ferrero is taking this extremely seriously as consumer care is our top priority," Ferrero India Company spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has informed that at least 63 cases of illness linked to the products had been identified, the majority of which are children under 5 years old. 

"We know that these particular products are popular with young children, especially as Easter approaches, so we would urge parents and guardians of children to check if any products already in their home are affected by this recall," Tina Potter, the FSA's Head of Incidents, said.

Symptoms of salmonella 

Symptoms of salmonella, also called salmonellosis, typically resolve themselves within a few days and include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. However, symptoms can be more severe and lead to hospitalisation, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella can be spread from person to person, so anyone affected is advised to adhere to good hygiene practices such as washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoiding handling food for others where possible if you have symptoms.

Kinder Surprise has issued a statement to clarify its stand on the issue:

"With the ongoing quality concerns around  Kinder Surprise on a possible link to reported cases of salmonella, in relevant countries, Ferrero is co-operating with the local food authorities. Although none of our Kinder products released to market have tested positive for salmonella. Ferrero is taking this extremely seriously as consumer care is our top priority.

However, Ferrero India would like to clarify that India is not involved in the voluntary recall of selected Kinder Surprise manufactured in Belgium. Ferrero India manufactures Kinder Joy in its plant at Baramati (Pune), which is sold across the country, complying with the local applicable regulations.  

The difference between Kinder Surprise and Kinder Joy is :

- Kinder Joy has two-halves:  Comprises of Milky and Cocoa Spreads with 2 Coated Wafer Biscuits, including a Toy.  The chocolate and the toy are separated by a protective layer.

- Kinder Surprise - Fine Milk Chocolate Shell with Milky White Lining Containing a Toy

We take food safety extremely seriously."