As chocolate consumption is about to skyrocket, for Easter, some Kinder products are subject to a massive recall. They are suspected of being responsible for an epidemic of salmonellosis in several European countries. 15 suspected cases have been identified in France.
Sick people among consumers
In its press release published Monday evening, the Ferrero group had initially announced that no patient had been detected in France. But, this Tuesday morning, Public Health France indicates that it has been informed of the occurrence in France of 21 cases of salmonellosis. Eight of them were hospitalized and returned home. The median age of these patients is 4 years.
Of these 21 people, 15 could be questioned at this time. According to Public Health France, the investigations carried out concerning them revealed the consumption of some of the Kinder products in question. Six other cases therefore remain to be studied.
The genetic strain of salmonella observed in these French patients is in any case the same as that responsible for an epidemic in the United Kingdom and Ireland, itself associated with the consumption of these recalled Kinder products.
The products concerned
These recalls target batches of Kinder Surprise 20g (by one, by three, by four and by six) and 100g with expiry dates between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2022.
Batches of Kinder Schoko-Bons with expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August 2022 are also affected, as well as batches of Kinder Mini Eggs with expiry dates between the end of April and the end of August. Finally, the Kinder Happy Moments, Kinder Mix: 193g, Basket 150g, Plush 133g, Bucket 198g, with expiry dates at the end of August 2022 are also recalled.
Ferrero advises holders of these products not to consume them and to contact its support team on 08 00 65 36 53 or by post at [email protected]. If they want a refund, they can attach a photo of the packaging of the product concerned, showing the different references (use-by date, barcode number).
Symptoms to watch out for
Food poisoning caused by salmonella causes gastrointestinal disorders often accompanied by fever, within 48 hours of consuming the contaminated products.
Note that increased vigilance is required for fragile people: young children, immunocompromised subjects, pregnant women or the elderly, who can develop more serious forms. Consumers who have ingested the chocolates mentioned above and see symptoms appear are advised to consult a doctor without delay, explaining the situation.
Public Health France also recommends washing your hands well, with soap and water, after going to the toilet, after changing your child and before cooking. This is to limit person-to-person transmission, especially in households with young children.