Belgian chocolate linked to UK Salmonella cases

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are alerting consumers to potential Salmonella contamination in certain batches of Kinder Surprise chocolates, according to a joint news release by the two agencies.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in cooperation with partners in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have documented an unspecified number of Salmonella cases across the UK that appear to be associated with the novelty item.

A number of the reported cases are in young children, according to the FSA.

Ferrero has recalled Kinder Surprise 20g and Kinder Surprise 20g x3 with best before dates between 11th July 2022 and 7th October 2022.

The recalled products were manufactured in a single factory in Belgium and were distributed in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.

A Kinder Surprise consists of a hollow milk-chocolate egg surrounding a plastic capsule, which contains a small toy.

The FSA is advising consumers not to eat any of the products listed in the FSA alert, and urges parents and guardians of children to check if any products already in their home are affected by this recall.

The UKHSA offers the following advice to the public:

“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.”

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You can find additional background information on a prior Salmonella outbreak associated with chocolate novelty products in Chapter 15 of TAINTED. From Farm Gate to Dinner Plate, Fifty Years of Food Safety Failures. Order the digital or audiobook editions from your favorite on-line retailer, or purchase the paperback or hardcover edition from Amazon.