Barely a week after E.coli at Buitoni, it is salmonella that shakes Ferrero. The confectionery giant, father of Kinder, Nutella or even Mon Chéri is recalling, in France, certain batches of Kinder chocolate products manufactured in Belgium due to a suspicion of infection with salmonella typhimurium. Just two weeks from Easter and the traditional egg hunt, 20 minutes takes stock of this “Ferrerogate”.
What’s going on at Ferrero?
The Ministry of Health announced on Monday that France, as well as other European countries such as the United Kingdom and Belgium, were facing cases of salmonellosis among consumers of “Kinder”, one of Ferrero’s flagship products. . Public Health France reports “21 cases of salmonellosis spread throughout the territory”. At this stage, “the investigations carried out revealed the consumption of certain Kinder brand products (…) among the 15 patients who could be questioned at this time”, specifies the ministry.
“Ferrero is working with public authorities” on “a potential link to reported salmonella cases,” the company said in a statement. And to clarify: “None of our Kinder products placed on the French market has tested positive for salmonella, we have not received any complaints from consumers. »
Which Kinder products are affected?
While products made in France are not directly affected, Ferrero France nevertheless “voluntarily” recalls a series of products made in Belgium. In total, hundreds of tons of chocolates are concerned. In detail, these are:
- Kinder Surprise 20g (by one, by three, by four and by six) and 100g with expiry dates between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2022
- Kinder Schoko-Bons with expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August 2022
- Kinder Mini Eggs with best before dates between late April and late August
- Kinder Happy Moments, Kinder Mix: 193g, Basket 150g, Plush 133g, Bucket 198g, with expiry dates at the end of August 202
What is the salmonella typhimurium ?
Salmonella, which is a bacterium, causes food poisoning such as gastrointestinal disorders, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea. A fever may also accompany these symptoms. Children as well as the elderly and those who are immunocompromised are at risk. In the event of the appearance of symptoms, if you have consumed these products, consult your doctor “without delay by notifying him of this consumption”, recommends the Ministry of Health. Increased hand washing is also recommended, especially in households with children.
And what if you have Kinders in your closet?
Ferrero coast, we advise you not to consume the products, to keep them and to contact the dedicated consumer assistance team on 08 00 65 36 53 and at [email protected]. On the Ministry of Health side, people with these products are instructed to “throw them away immediately” after taking a picture of the packaging with the product references. Note that a refund is possible with Ferrero.