Italian food company Ferrero has expanded preventive recalls of some Kinder products to the United States due to possible Salmonella infection.
A few days before Easter, the Italian company recalled in recent days products for Kinder chocolate present in the markets of several European countries (France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands), due to concerns about products made at its Belgian factory in Arlon, suspected to be the source of an outbreak of salmonella. Although this bacteria has not been detected in any of Kinder products.
"There are no confirmed cases in the United States yet, and none of the other Kinder or Ferrero products are involved in this recall," the group said in a statement, noting that it was cooperating with US health authorities on cases reported in Europe.
Ferrero added that it is working closely with US retailers to ensure that products are no longer "available for purchase," stressing that consumer safety is prioritized.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps in humans, and is also one of the most common foodborne infections.
About 63 cases of salmonella have been identified in the United Kingdom. In France, 21 injuries were reported to people, 15 of whom said they had consumed Kinder products that had been withdrawn, according to the French Public Health Authority, which indicated that quantities of Kinder products were withdrawn equivalent to hundreds of tons.