at least 15 cases of suspected salmonellosis identified in France

At least 15 cases of suspected salmonellosis have been identified in France, in people who have consumed Kinder products which are subject to withdrawal, said Tuesday, April 5 in the morning the Directorate General of Health (DGS) in a press release. Among these fifteen patients questioned, “whose median age is 4 years”eight were hospitalized before returning home.

The “investigations carried out by Santé Publique France have revealed the consumption of certain Kinder brand products subject to this withdrawal-recall in the days preceding the onset of symptoms” in these 15 patients. Six other patients could not yet be questioned at this time by the health services to establish a possible link with the Kinder products withdrawn.

“None of our Kinder products placed on the French market has tested positive for salmonella, we have not received any complaints from consumers”has indicated Ferrero in a statement released Monday evening. The Italian company has however announced that it is recalling several chocolate products of its Kinder brand manufactured in a factory in Arlon, Belgium, due to a link “potential” with cases of salmonella. This concerns 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 expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August and finally Kinder Happy Moments, Kinder Mix: 193g, Basket 150g, Plush 133g, Bucket 198g, with expiry dates at the end of August 2022. Ferrero advises not to consume the product, keep it and contact its consumer assistance team on 08 00 65 36 53 and [email protected].

The recall, two weeks before Easter, concerns the equivalent of hundreds of tons of chocolate, said a spokeswoman for the company. No cases have been reported in Belgium but the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) has called on consumers not to consume these products. British authorities reported a recall as early as Saturday. Salmonella is a bacterium that measures two microns. It moves within the intestines of animals or human beings that it contaminates. It is found in raw foods. Cooking or pasteurizing the milk at high temperatures can eliminate it. On the other hand, it can remain dormant in dehydrated foods, such as powdered milk.