Kinder apologizes after salmonellosis scandal
The Italian manufacturer Ferrero acknowledged Friday “internal failures” and apologized after the discovery of salmonellosis in batches of its chocolates. The Belgian authorities have decided to close the factory producing these chocolates.
“Ferrero acknowledges that there have been internal failures, causing delays in retrieving and sharing information within the required timeframes. This has impacted the speed and efficiency of investigations.”the group acknowledged in a statement.
“With immediate effect, the entire production of Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g and Kinder Schoko-Bons manufactured in Arlon, is recalled”, confirms Ferrero. “The factory will only reopen once the authorities have certified it”he says.
“The Arlon plant represents approximately 7% of the total volume of Kinder products manufactured worldwide over one year”adds the manufacturer in its press release.
The Belgian food safety agency (AFSCA) has announced the shutdown of production at the Kinder chocolate factory where products contaminated with salmonella were discovered.
“For several weeks, more than a hundred cases of salmonellosis have been identified in Europe”said the instance, pointing out that a ” link “ established at the end of March between these poisonings and the Ferrero factory in Arlon in Belgium ” has been confirmed”.
The food safety body also deplored “the incomplete information” provided by the Italian confectionery giant Ferrero.
“After investigations (…) and following the findings of recent hours that the information provided by Ferrero is incomplete, the Agency is today withdrawing authorization from the Ferrero production plant in Arlon”announced the FASFC.
In addition, all Kinder Surprise, Kinder Surprise Maxi, Kinder Mini Eggs and Schoko bons products have been subject to a recall decision.
“This comprehensive product recall affects all products” mentioned above and that “regardless of batches or expiry dates”the agency said in a statement, asking “distribution companies to remove all these products from the shelves”.
The Italian confectionery giant has launched several recall campaigns in Europe. Morocco, for its part, has taken the necessary measures without waiting for the recall of Ferrero brand products.
“Due to a suspicion of infection with the Salmonella Typhimurium bacterium, responsible for food poisoning, of certain batches of the Kinder chocolate brand”will be withdrawn with effect” immediate “ of the marketing circuit for batches of suspected products at the level of importers and distribution brands, ONSSA said in a press release.
The batches and products concerned are: Kinder Surprise 20 g (one, three, four and six) and 100 g with expiry dates between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2022, Kinder Schoko-Bons with expiry dates expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August 2022, Kinder Mini Eggs with expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August and Kinder Happy Moments, Kinder Mix with expiry dates of the end of August 2022.
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