In mid-April, 150 cases of salmonellosis had been detected in nine European countries, including France.
The Italian candy manufacturer Ferrero, recently forced into a massive recall of Kinder, launched an online platform on Saturday to allow people who have been victims of salmonella contamination in Europe to report themselves in order to file a complaint. “We are deeply sorry to hear that some people may have become ill from consuming one of the Kinder products affected by the current recall.“, insisted the company in a press release.
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In early April, Ferrero had to recall batches of Kinder chocolate products made in Belgium and sold in several European countries due to suspected salmonella contamination. In mid-April, 150 cases of salmonellosis had been detected in nine European countries including France, mainly in children under ten years old.
Symptoms similar to those of gastroenteritis
Salmonellosis causes symptoms similar to those of sometimes acute gastroenteritis: diarrhea and abdominal cramps, mild fever, even vomiting. No deaths have been reported at this stage. “If you believe that these symptoms have had a significant impact on your health, your professional life or your private life, we invite you to complete the form on our dedicated platform.writes Ferrero. “This will make it possible to identify and individualize exchanges with familiesin order to compensate those who wish it, a spokeswoman for the group told AFP. “In the UK, for example, Ferrero covered all medical costs“, she continued.
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The factory in Arlon, in the Belgian Ardennes, where the Kinder products in question came from, was shut down in early April. All products produced on this site (Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g and Kinder Schoko-Bons) have been recalled.