Further Kinder products recalled following an outbreak of salmonella

As a result of the continued investigation into an outbreak of salmonella cases linked to Kinder products, Ferrero has extended its recall to include all Kinder products manufactured at their Arlon site in Belgium between June and the present date.

These include Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise 100g and Kinder Schokobons.

The new update means all the products in the recall notice, regardless of best-before date, should not be eaten. The previous recall only covered products with best-before dates up to 7 October 2022.

Full details of the products affected can be found in the latest product recall information notice (8 April). 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 list of products in the recall notice.

Ferrero has suspended all operations at its Arlon plant to aid the ongoing investigation and will only recommence operations once the authorities are satisfied that food manufactured there is safe. 

The FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are concerned about delays in Ferrero’s sharing of information during the investigation, which has contributed to time gaps in the recall process and a number of separate recalls having to be undertaken. 

However, the FSA and FSS welcome Ferrero’s decision today to extend its precautionary recall and its commitment to supporting the continuing investigation into the root cause of this outbreak. 

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents Food Standards Agency, said: 

“Consumers should follow the advice in the latest recall notice, which details all of the products which may pose a risk. 

“We have emphasised to the business and the authorities in Belgium the importance of taking as precautionary an approach to their recall as possible and trust that they will continue to put consumers’ needs first in any action they take. 

“We continue to work closely with UK and international partners, including the UK Health Security Agency and Food Standards Scotland, to establish how this outbreak started and make sure all necessary steps have been taken to prevent further illness.” 

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.