Ferrero has announced a suspension of operations at its Arlon, Belgium, production facility according to a statement released today (April 8, 2022).
The halt in production was initiated as a result of the Belgian food safety authority (AFSCA) having suspended Ferrero’s manufacturing authorization.
In addition, the company has extended its recall to include “the entire production of Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g and Kinder Schokobons made in Arlon.”
Kinder chocolate products manufactured in the Arlon production plant have been linked to an outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium in the United Kingdom (UK) and several member countries of the European Union (EU).
As of April 8, 2022, according to the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), outbreak cases have been confirmed in France (25), Germany (6), Ireland (10), Luxembourg (1), Netherlands (2), Norway (1), Sweden (4), and the United Kingdom (65).
Additional probable outbreak cases are under investigation in Belgium (26) and Germany (2), for a total of 142 confirmed and probable cases.
The first outbreak case was recognized in the UK on January 7, 2002, and the first report of cases in EU countries was on February 17th.
The reported illnesses have occured mainly in children under ten years of age.
Recalls
Consumers in the UK were first alerted to the problem on April 2, 2022, when the Food Standards Agency posted a recall notice for certain batches of Ferrero’s Kinder Surprise chocolate novelty products.
Since that date, Kinder chocolate products have been recalled in multiple countries within the EU, as well in Canada, the United States, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
With this most recent expansion of Ferraro’s recall, the number and scope of recall notices can be expected to increase.
Ferrero Confectionery Indonesia issued an April 7th press release advising that the Kinder chocolate products sold in Indonesia were manufactured in India and are not affected by the recalls.
Ferrero’s actions
Ferrero admitted in its April 7th recall update that the company knew about a Salmonella problem as long ago as December 15, 2021.
An internal investigation determined the origin of the contamination to be “…a filter at the outlet of two raw material tanks.”
The affected products and materials were put on hold, the filter was removed, and the company increased what the news release described as its “…already high level of controls on semi-finished and finished products.”
It is unclear from the news release whether the initial finding was in an environmental sample or a finished product. Nor did the company reveal whether or not production was shut down for thorough cleaning and sanitizing after the Salmonella finding.
In its April 8th update, Ferrero acknowledged “… internal inefficiencies, creating delays in retrieving and sharing information in a timely manner.”
The Arlon facility, which accounts for 7% of the total volume of Kinder products, will remain closed pending completion of the investigation. The plant will only re-open once certified by the authorities, according to the company.
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.
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News
Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.
If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.
Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations? Click on the TAINTED menu at the top of the page to read a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital or print copy to your personal library.
United States
Allergy Alert: Lily’s Sweets recalls Lily’s Peppermint Flavor Baking Chips (7-oz pouch; Multiple lot codes; UPC 8-10003-46159-9) due to undeclared soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected lot codes.
Canada
Food Safety Recall: Bistak Enterprises Inc. and Bistak Groceries Inc. recall various food products due to possible Salmonella contamination as a result of rodent infestation. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall: Bistak Enterprises Inc. and Bistak Groceries Inc. recall additional food products due to possible Salmonella contamination as a result of rodent infestation. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall: La boulangerie Wakefield (Wakefield, QC) recalls PEPPERETTE spicy sausages (Sold up to 7 January 2022) due to improper display temperature which could result in the product being unsafe to consume.
Europe
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (NORWAY): The Norwegian Institute of Public Health is investigating an outbreak of 16 cases of Salmonella Blockley in Viken (3), Vestland (2), Trøndelag (5), Nordland (2), Troms og Finnmark (3), and Rogaland (1). Twelve of the 16 victims have been hospitalized. The source of the infections is currently under investigation.
Allergy Alert (Belgium): AFSCA mandates recall of Super Q brand Kan Mian Dried steamed noodles (200g; Best before 14-03-2023) due to undeclared soy.
Allergy Alert (Ireland): Aldirecalls Moser Roth, The Collection, Milk, White & Dark chocolates (160g; All batches and all best-before dates) due to undeclared egg.
Food Safety Recall Update (Belgium): Makro recalls three prepared fish meals due to possible foreign matter (pieces of metal) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall Update (Belgium):Revi Food recalls several prepared meals due to possible foreign matter (pieces of metal) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Jumbo recalls Jumbo snacksalade quinoa noten / Quinoa & nut salad snack (200g; Best before 17-01-2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): UPFRESH recalls three prepared meals due to possible foreign matter (pieces of metal) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Food Safety Recall (France): SILVE INTERMARCHE recalls Pâturages Les P’tits Prods brand DESSERTS LACTES SAVEUR CHOCOLAT / Chocolate-flavour dairy dessert 4-pack (4 x 85g; Lot #12129951; Best before 28/10/2022) due to possible foreign matter (metal particles) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LE PAIN DE BELLEDONNE recalls Belladonne brand BRIOCHE DES ROIS PEPITES CHOC / King’s brioche with chocolate chips (Lot 20211224; Use by 28/01/2022) due to foreign matter (plastic) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): Carrefour recalls Carrefour Le Marché Jambon Cuit, 2 tranches / Cooked ham, 2 slices (100g; Lot #1041939; Use by 26/01/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Orkla Foods Danmark recalls Den Gamle Fabrik brand Fruchtaufstrich Orange / Orange fruit spread (600g; Lot #2399318; Best before 21.02.2023) due to foreign matter (glass splinters) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Natsu Foods GmbH & Co. KG recalls Natsu Salat “Quinoa Nuts”, vegan / Vegan quinoa nuts salad (200g; Use by 16.01.22) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg):Revi Food recalls Revi Food brand Cassolette de Limandes, écrevisses & Pommes duchesses/ Dabs, crayfish and Duchess potato casserole (Lots 90142527, 90142276, 90142545, 90142534, 90142541, 90142533, 90142543, 90142539, 90142544, 90142546, 90142542, 90142537, 90142538, 90142535, 90142547, 90142540, 90142548, & 90142536; Use by 13/01/2022 & 15/01/2022) due to possible foreign matter (pieces of metal) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Netherlands): Jumbo recalls Jumbo snacksalade quinoa noten / Quinoa nut salad (200g; Use by 17-01-2022) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (UK): Yoplait UK recalls Yoplait Frubes Strawberry, Red Berry and Peach Variety 9-Pack (9 x 37g; Batch code 9218195; Use by 9 February 2022; Only Use-by dates followed by the letter “C” are affected) due to foreign matter (small pieces of metal) contamination.
Pet Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Kivo Petfood BV recalls Kivo Kip Compleet frozen raw pet food (500g & 1000g; Lot #210917; Best before 03-2023), Kivo Kip- Vis Compleet frozen raw pet food (500g & 1000g; Lot #210917; Best before 03-2023) and Kivo Pens-Kip mix frozen raw pet food (500g & 1000g; Lot #210917; Best before 03-2023) due to possible Salmonella Typhimurium contamination.
Australia and New Zealand
Allergy Alert (Australia): Fresh Food Enterprises recalls IQ Bar Chocolate Sea Salt (45g; Best before June 10 2022), IQ Bar Peanut Butter Chip (45g; Best before June 11 2022) and IQ Bar Almond Butter Chip (45g; Best before Apr 14 2022) due to undeclared milk.
Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.
If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.
Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations? Click on the TAINTED menu at the top of the page to read a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital or print copy to your personal library.
United States
Food Safety Recall:Southeastern Grocers recalls Fisherman’s Wharf brand Jumbo Cooked Shrimp, Frozen – 16-20 count (16-oz bag; Best by 04/05/2023; UPC 2114003262) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall: Pier-C Produce Inc. of Leamington, Ontario Canada recalls Pier-C 2lb white onions of Mexican origin (2 lb bags; UPC 0 33383 60051 2; Product of Mexico; Supplied by Keeler Family Farms, USA) due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled product was supplied to a single wholesaler and a single retailer in the state of Florida.
Food Safety Recall Update: Flowers Foods, Inc. recalls certain Tastykake multi-pack cupcakes and certain Krimpets products due to potential foreign matter (tiny fragments of metal mesh wire) contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Canada
Allergy Alert: Farm Boy Company Inc. recalls Farm Boy brand Dijon Mustard (225 ml; Lot #28421; Best before 2023/10/13; UPC 8 08912 01214 8) due to undeclared egg.
Food Safety Alert: MAPAQ advises the public not to consume Vulkano brand Italian Hot Sauce (125 ml & 250 ml glass jars; Sold up to 2 November 2021) because the item was produced under conditions that present a food safety hazard.
Food Safety Recall: J.G. Rive-Sud Fruits & Légumes recalls Gordon Choice brand Red Onions (2.27 kg & 4.54 kg; Product #2520C & 2520C1, respectively; Delivery dates July 7, 2021 to August 28, 2021) due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Europe
OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (SWEDEN): The Swedish Public Health Agency is investigating an outbreak of 33 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infections scattered across seven different regions of the country. The source of the illnesses is suspected to be a food with wide distribution across the country.
Allergy Alert (Belgium): AFSCA advises consumers of multiple products that contain undeclared peanuts. Please refer to the AFSCA website for a detailed list of affected products.
Allergy Alert (Denmark): Mozami A/S recalls Ansolive Grønne oliven med hvidløg / Green olives with garlic (150g; Best before 26.12.2021) due to undeclared peanut.
Allergy Alert (Denmark): Leziz Food ApS recalls Perfetta Kyllingepostej / chicken pie (Lot L1; Best before 23.12.2023) due to undeclared soy.
Allergy Alert (Denmark): Leziz Food ApS recalls Bifa Susamli Biskuvi-Kiks / Biscuits (Lot PN565 DN420121 YD; Best before 12.2021) due to undeclared milk.
Allergy Alert (Denmark): Mozami A/S recalls two varieties of Delikatessen anbefaler brand hummus and one variety of Delikatessen anbefaler brand Muhammara due to undeclared peanuts. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
Allergy Alert (France): FRANCAP DISTRIBUTION recalls LES DELICES DE BELLE FRANCE brand OLIVES VERTES A L’ORIENTALE DENOYAUTEES / Oriental style pitted green olives (Lot 21249 & 21256; Use by 04/11/2021 & 11/11/2021, respectively) due to undeclared peanut.
Allergy Alert (Germany): Sonnentracht GmbH recalls Quinoa Sauerteig agava / Quinoa sourdough agava (30g; Lot 38991; Best before 07.10.2022) due to undeclared gluten.
Allergy Alert (Italy): Industry recalls multiple products due to undeclared mustard. Please refer to the Ministero della Salute recall page for a complete list of affected products.
Allergy Alert (Luxembourg): Industry recalls multiple products due to undeclared peanut. Please refer to the Allergy Alert notice for a complete list of affected products.
Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Aldi recalls Verse Olijvenmix / Fresh Olive Mix (200g; Best before 05-11-21, 12-11-21, 19-11-21, 07-01-22) due to undeclared peanut.
Allergy Alert (Sweden): Larsa Foods AB recalls Hummus Classic / Paprika / Koriander (200g; Batches 21272 and 21286; Best before 2021-11-12 and 2021-11-26) due to undeclared peanuts.
Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Pook Market ApS recalls Han Shuo Yummy Fruit Jelly, “Firefighter Boy” and “Firefighter Girl” varieties (390g; All Best Before dates) due to a choking hazard.
Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Coronet Cake Company Aps recalls Rema 1000 brand Julens æbleskiver / Christmas apple slices (560g; Best before 16-06-2023 and 20-06-2023) due to mold contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LABEYRIE FINE FOODS FRANCE recalls LABEYRIE Saumon fumé de Norvège Le Savoureux -25% de sel / Norwegian Smoked Salmon, 25% less salt (4 slices / 130g minimum; Lot #122357; Use by 08/11/2021, 11/11/2021, 15/11/2021, 18/11/2021 & 22/11/2021) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): CORICO recalls Saucisson sec courbe dinde et veau aux noisettes / Turkey & veal sausage with hazelnuts (Lot #9771000295; Use by 19/02/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): METRO FRANCE recalls Aro brand BADIANE ENTIERE / Whole Anise (1 kg; Lot 21185; Best before 05/05/2023) due to foreign matter (glass splinters) contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): CORICO recalls ID halal brand Saucisson sec courbe dinde et veau aux noisettes / Turkey & veal sausage with hazelnuts (Lot #9771000295; Use by 19/02/2022) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): FROMAGERIE SAINT JAUME recalls fromagerie saint jaume brand tomme chèvre / goat cheese (100g; Lot 24.10; Best by 25/11/2021) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Industryrecalls Donnybrook Fair Tipperary Brie (155g; Use by 17/11/2021) due to E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Industry recalls Joyce’s Supermarkets of Galway Tipperary Brie (155g; Use by 17/11/2021) due to E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Italy): Furlotti e C S.r.l. recalls Cuor di Terra brand Antipasto Emiliano (120g; Lot #3415151; Best before 08-12-2021) due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands
Food Safety Recall (Israel): LIB (Living More in Nature) Ltd recalls Schar brand Pan Rustico, gluten-free (Expiration dates 06.01.22, 26.01.22 & 17.02.22) due to mold contamination.
Australia and New Zealand
Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Chelsea Sugar recalls specific batches of Chelsea, Pams and Woolworths brand Raw and Brown Sugar due to low levels of lead contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.
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