8 April update from the: ECDC/EFSA investigation into multi-country Salmonella outbreak associated with Kinder eggs

The ECDC epidemiological report of the 8th April states that the outbreak has been linked to a factory in Arlon, Belgium. The Belgian authorities have suspended all activities, and all products that were manufactured in the plant will be recalled, and retailers are also asked to remove the products from their shelves. 

Over the last week the recall has been extended from a few product lines in a given time period to a multiple range of products. See the FSAI for a typical recall timeline 

The report states that an outbreak caused by monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium has been identified in eight EU/EEA countries and the United Kingdom (UK). 

"As of 8 April 2022, 142 cases have been reported, mainly among children under 10 years old. The first case was identified in the UK on 7 January 2022. Since 17 February 2022, cases have also been identified elsewhere in Europe.... The outbreak is characterised by an unusually high proportion of children being hospitalised, some with severe clinical symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea. Based on interviews with patients and initial analytical epidemiological studies, specific chocolate products have been identified as the likely route of infection. Affected cases have been identified through advanced molecular typing techniques. As this method of testing is not routinely performed in all countries, some cases may be undetected."

The probable 142 cases that have been linked to this problem are:

UK (65 cases); Belgium (26 cases); France (25 cases); Ireland (10 cases); Germany (8 cases); Sweden (4 cases); Netherlands (2 cases) and Luxembourg and Norway (1 case each). 

Ferrero issued a statement on there 8th April:

In the context of the ongoing salmonella investigations taking place in collaboration with food safety authorities, Ferrero is suspending operations at its plant in Arlon, Belgium. 

With immediate effect, the entire production of Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g and Kinder Schokobons made in Arlon is being recalled. 

 Ferrero acknowledges there were internal inefficiencies, creating delays in retrieving and sharing information in a timely manner. This impacted the speed and effectiveness of the investigations. The plant will only re-open once certified by the authorities. 

Only Kinder products manufactured in Arlon, Belgium, are impacted by this recall. The Arlon plant accounts for around 7% of total volumes of Kinder products manufactured globally on a yearly basis. Local solutions will be implemented to assist consumers with the recall. 

This is the only and right decision to take to ensure the maximum level of food safety and eliminate the risk of further contamination. We deeply regret this matter. We want to sincerely apologize to all our consumers and business partners and thank the food safety authorities for their valuable guidance. 

Food safety, quality and consumer care have been at the heart of Ferrero since the company was founded. This serious event goes to the core of what we stand for and we will take every step necessary to preserve the full trust and confidence of our consumers.