Kinder salmonella cases: Ferrero expands recall to include US market

The previous recall was announced amid salmonella concerns​ and only covered products with best-before dates up to 7 October 2022. But the company said it has widened it to include all Kinder products manufactured at the Arlon site since June.

ConfectioneryNews also understands the confectionery giant has voluntarily recalled batches of its Kinder chocolate products in parts of North America after more than 100 cases of salmonella, mostly affecting children, were reported in Europe.

Ferrero USA announced at the weekend it was recalling its Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats basket because they were manufactured in the Arlon facility in Belgium where salmonella was detected.

Belgian health authorities confirmed the salmonella incidents linked to Kinder at the Arlon site.

In a statement on its decision, the country’s Federal agency for the safety (FASFC) said: “Based on the investigations carried out by the FASFC and the finding in recent hours that the company is unable to provide complete information for this investigation, the Agency is withdrawing the authorisation of the Arlon plant. At the same time, all products of the Kinder range produced at Ferrero Arlon are being recalled.​

“This recall extension includes all ‘Kinder Surprise’, ‘Kinder Surprise Maxi’, ‘Kinder Mini Eggs’ & ‘Schoko Vouchers’ products regardless of lot number or expiration date. The FASFC also asks the distribution companies to remove these products from their shelves​.”

Ferrero statement

In a statement, a Ferrero spokesperson said: “We deeply regret this matter and would like to thank authorities for the ongoing collaboration and recommendations. We take food safety extremely seriously and every step we have taken has been guided by our commitment to consumer care​.”

The company 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​.”