FSA and FSS issue precautionary advice to consumers not to eat certain Kinder products linked to a salmonella outbreak

The Food Standards Agency, along with Food Standards Scotland, are advising consumers not to eat certain Kinder products listed in the product recall information notice (PRIN). This is in connection with a potential link to a salmonella outbreak. A number of these cases have been young children.

As a result of the continuing investigation into the outbreak, Ferrero has extended its precautionary recall to cover all products produced in its factory in Arlon, Belgium, listed in the PRIN. These include Kinder Surprise 20g and 20g x 3, Kinder Surprise 100g, Kinder Mini eggs 75g, Kinder Egg Hunt Kit 150g and Kinder Schokobons 200g.

Investigations led by UKHSA, Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, found a link between reported cases of salmonella poisoning across the UK and products produced by the Ferrero company.

In response to this, Ferrero has taken the precautionary step to undertake a further product recall with immediate effect whilst investigations continue. 

Full details of the products affected can be found in the product recall information notice. The packaging of recalled products may not refer to the Belgium factory where they were produced and may include a different contact address, so it is important that consumers check their products against the additional information in the recall notice – particularly the “best-before” dates.

To reduce the risk of any further illness, consumers should not eat the products listed in the recall alert and they/the parent or guardians of children should follow the risk advice within it.

Symptoms of salmonellosis typically resolve themselves within a few days and include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. However, symptoms can be more severe and lead to hospitalisation, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.

Tina Potter, FSA Head of Incidents, said:

"We have taken action along with local authorities and authorities in Belgium to minimise the risk based on the evidence so far.

"We welcome the precautionary approach being taken by Ferrero and are advising consumers not to eat any of the products listed in the FSA alert. It is really important that consumers follow this advice to avoid the risk of becoming ill with salmonella poisoning.

“We know that these particular products are popular with young children, especially as Easter approaches, so we would urge parents and guardians of children to check if any products already in their home are affected by this recall.

"The food business involved has voluntarily carried out this product withdrawal and recall and we are working closely with them and their competent authorities to identify the precise cause of this outbreak. We are also working closely with UK and international partners including UKHSA and Food Standards Scotland.”

Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Pathogens and Food Safety (One Health) at UKHSA, said:

“We welcome the co-operation of Ferrero International S.A in instituting the recall and withdrawal of a number of confectionary products linked to an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella in the UK. We are working closely with the company as well as the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales, Public Health Agency Northern Ireland and international public health and food safety authorities to ensure that the risk to the public is minimised.

“Symptoms of salmonellosis typically resolve themselves within a few days. However, symptoms can be more severe, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Anybody with concerns that they have symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their GP or call NHS 111. Salmonella can be spread from person to person, so anyone affected should adhere to good hygiene practice such as washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoiding handling food for others where possible, if you have symptoms.”

More advice and guidance on salmonella is available online.