The confectionery company Ferrero has extended its recall for certain “Kinder” brand chocolate products due to suspected salmonella. On Friday, the group temporarily stopped operations at its plant in Arlon, Belgium, where the products affected by the recall were manufactured.
The work will “Only open again when the authorities have given the go-ahead”. At the same time, Ferrero apologized to consumers and business partners.
Why did Ferrero recall products?
Already at the end of March there was a suspicion that surprise egg products could be linked to salmonella poisoning. The first cases appeared in Great Britain. According to investigations by the British food authorities, the indications became more concentrated – and Ferrero recalled the relevant product batches.
Recalls in Belgium and France followed earlier in the week. Germany has also been affected since Wednesday (6 April). Ferrero also extended the recalls to other products.
Exactly which products are affected?
As announced by Ferrero, it will take effect immediately “the entire production of Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g and Kinder Schokobons, which is manufactured in Arlon, is recalled”. According to this, the plant in Belgium accounts for around seven percent of all “Kinder” branded products manufactured worldwide each year.
Ferrero has published the best-before dates and product numbers of the affected batches on its website. The product number (EAN – European Article Number) is under the barcode on the packaging.