Additional Kinder products recalled after suspect salmonella link

The health ministry on Saturday recalled additional Kinder chocolates amidst an investigation into a salmonella outbreak in other EU member states that has been linked to Ferrero company’s products.

The announcement came a day after the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain – AFSCA withdrew the licence of the Ferrero d’Arlon production plant in Belgium which has been involved in the salmonellosis cases reported in several European countries.

As a result, authorities recalled all Kinder Surprise, Kinder Surprise Maxi, Kinder Mini Eggs and Schoko-bons products, regardless of batches or expiry dates.

Furthermore, the ministry said the official import representative in Cyprus is withdrawing Schoko-bons and Kinder Surprise Maxi.

It added the products recalled on Friday by Lidl Cyprus, continues to apply.

Earlier in the week, the health ministry had said the recall only concerned a specific batch of Kinder surprise eggs, however, after the closure of the affected factory, the chocolate firm Ferrero was forced to extend its recall of products.

“This development is due to the failure of the producing company to ensure that the products produced are safe.

“Investigations in the Member States where the affected products are manufactured are ongoing and the case is being closely monitored by the competent authorities,” the ministry said, adding it will inform the public of any further information on additional products and/or batches becomes available.

The ministry received information about the possible salmonella link through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

“The outbreak is characterised by an unusually high proportion of children being hospitalised, some with severe clinical symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea,” the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) had said.

The European Union health agency said it was investigating, together with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 134 confirmed or probable cases of salmonella.

Britain has the highest number of incidents with 63 confirmed cases as of April 5, the ECDC said, adding that other countries with probable or confirmed cases are France, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.

Product recalls have been launched in several countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg and Britain, the EU agency said.