Customers are being warned after a number of Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs were recalled due to an outbreak of salmonella in the UK, Ireland and other European countries.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it is advising people ‘not to eat’ certain products due to a ‘potential link’ to reported cases of salmonella poisoning.
The alert applies to the 20g Kinder Surprise singular egg and the pack of three 20g Kinder Surprise eggs with a best before date between 11 July 2022 and 7 October 2022.
Advert
Ferrero, which owns Kinder, confirmed it has recalled the products – which have been manufactured in Belgium – as a ‘precaution’, and that it had not yet received any customer complaints.
The FSA said in a statement: "Investigations, led by 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.
"In response to this, Ferrero has taken the precautionary step to undertake a product withdrawal and recall with immediate effect whilst investigations continue.
Advert
"The product thought to be affected have all been manufactured at the same factory. Other products manufactured by Kinder are not thought to be affected. To reduce the risk of any further illness, consumers should not eat the products listed in the recall alert and they/the parent or guardians of children should follow the risk advice within it.”
The FSA explained how symptoms of salmonella include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, and ‘typically resolve themselves with a few days’.
However, symptoms can be severe and lead to hospitalisation, especially among the young and those with weakened immune systems, the agency warned.
Tina Potter, FSA Head of Incidents, said: "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.
Advert
“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.
"The food business involved has voluntarily carried out this product withdrawal and recall and we are working closely with them and their competent authorities to identify the precise cause of this outbreak. We are also working closely with UK and international partners including UKHSA and Food Standards Scotland.”
In a statement to LADbible, Ferrero UK and Ireland said: “Ferrero is co-operating with the UK Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on a possible link to a number of reported cases of salmonella.
Advert
"Although none of our Kinder products released to market have tested positive for salmonella, and we have received no consumer complaints, we are taking this extremely seriously as consumer care is our top priority.
“As a precaution, we have taken the decision to voluntarily recall Kinder Surprise 20g and Kinder Surprise 20g x 3 pack in the UK and Ireland with Best Before Dates between 11th July 2022 and 7th October 2022. These products are manufactured in Belgium.
“We are working with retailers to ensure that these products are no longer available for purchase. If you have one of the products, you are advised not to consume it. Please keep the product and contact our consumer care team on [email protected] or 0330 053 8943 UK or +44 (0)330 053 8943 Ireland.
“We take matters of food safety extremely seriously and we sincerely apologise for this matter.”
Topics: UK News, Food And Drink
Jess Hardiman