Ferrero recalls Kinder Surprise eggs over possible salmonella contamination
Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs are thought to be connected to 63 salmonella cases in the UK.
Image by Dima Solomin on Unsplash
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales, and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland have revealed that an outbreak of salmonella in the UK may be linked to the consumption of Ferrero’s Kinder Surprise eggs.
63 cases of salmonella poisoning have been recorded in the UK, and it is estimated that around three-quarters of those affected are children aged 5 and under. More cases of salmonella poisoning have now also been reported in Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
There are no reports of salmonella-related deaths from the contaminated eggs.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Symptoms tend to include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a fever. Most people are likely to overcome these unpleasant symptoms and make a full recovery within a few days, but some, particularly very young children, the elderly and immunosuppressed people, may experience severe symptoms and be admitted to hospital.
The UKHSA’s Dr Lesley Larkin said: “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.”
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Ferrero is recalling a number of batches of Kinder Surprise eggs as a precautionary measure. All 20g Kinder eggs or three-packs with a best before date between 11 July 2022 and 7 October 2022 are confirmed to be the contaminated batches. The FDA has advised people not to eat these eggs.
The FSA has stated that any eggs affected were manufactured in Belgium. No other Ferrero products are thought to have been contaminated.
As Easter approaches, parents are being encouraged to check if any products they have purchased for their children could be affected by the recall.
In a statement released by Ferrero, the company said: "Ferrero is co-operating with the UK Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on a possible link to a number of reported cases of salmonella.
"Although none of our Kinder products released to market have tested positive for salmonella, and we have received no consumer complaints, we are taking this extremely seriously as consumer care is our top priority."
The company added: "We take matters of food safety extremely seriously and we sincerely apologise for this matter."
If you have purchased the affected product, you are entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act. You can still claim a refund even if you have thrown away or eaten the recalled product - all you need is a proof of purchase, including a receipt, bank statement, or confirmation. To do this, please contact the Ferrero consumer careline on consumers.uk@ferrero.com or 0330 053 8943 UK or +44 (0)330 053 8943 Ireland.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of Salmonella poisoning, make sure to keep hydrated and visit the NHS website for further medical advice.
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