Ferrero has recalled a swathe of Kinder products over the possible presence of salmonella – including Easter confectionery.
The confectioner first recalled a selection of Kinder Surprise SKUs on 2 April, warning they might be contaminated with salmonella, but has now broadened its recall to include a range of Mini Eggs, Egg Hunt Kits and Schoko-bons.
The full list of SKUs recalled includes Kinder Surprise 20g and 3x20g packs with best before dates up to and including 7 October 2022, as well as Kinder Surprise 100g, Kinder Mini Eggs 75g, Kinder Egg Hunt Kit 150g and Kinder Schoko-bons 200g with dates between 20 April and 21 August.
A Ferrero spokeswoman said: ”Thanks to the collaboration with several food safety and public health authorities in Europe, Ferrero acquired new data showing a genotype match between reported salmonella cases in Europe and our plant in Arlon, Belgium.
“Within the framework of our analysis plan, the presence of salmonella was detected on the 15th of December. After a deep investigation the point of origin was identified to be a filter at the outlet of two raw material tanks. Materials and finished products were blocked and not released.
“The matter is currently being investigated together with food safety authorities. Following the issue, Ferrero took actions, including the removal of the filter, and significantly increased the already high level of controls on semi-finished and finished products.”
The recall applies only to products made in Belgium.
“We deeply regret this matter and would like to thank authorities for the ongoing collaboration and recommendations,” the spokeswoman added. “We take food safety extremely seriously and every step we have taken has been guided by our commitment to consumer care.”
It comes as the Easter weekend – one of the biggest events of the year for confectionery sales – is looming. When it launched its current Easter range in January, the business cited data which suggested shoppers were more likely to make a dedicated trip for chocolate at Easter than at Christmas “showcasing the size of the opportunity for confectionery”.
Kinder is the fifth biggest chocolate brand in the UK, with sales of £161.6m over the 52 weeks to 11 September 2021 [NielsenIQ].
The FSA is advising shoppers who have bought the products not to consume them and to contact Ferrero’s customer service to obtain a refund.
Salmonella bacteria can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps, which usually begin six hours to six days after infection and can last up to a week.
Last year Tayto was forced to recall a number of pork scratching SKUs from its Mr Porky’s, Jay’s and The Real Pork Crackling Company brands after one of its factories in Westhoughton, Bolton, was linked to the bacteria.
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