Kinder chocolate products made by the Belgian plant of Ferrero have been identified as a source of a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella.
Several cases of salmonellosis have been reported in Europe since end 2021. At the end of March, a link was suspected between these infections and the Ferrero factory in Arlon (Belgium) based on epidemiological data. This link has been confirmed since then by WGS analysis. The FASFC has been conducting a thorough investigation at Ferrero Arlon to find the source of the contamination. All necessary measures to protect consumers have been taken. A recall of all Kinder products from the plant has been issued and the plant’s authorization to produce food products has been withdrawn.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are also investigating this outbreak of salmonellosis linked to chocolate products.
More information is available in the Rapid Outbreak Assessment from EFSA and ECDC.