After “more than a hundred cases of salmonellosis identified in Europe”, the Belgian Food Security Agency confirms that there is a link between these poisoning and the Ferrero plant in Arlon.
Le Monde and AFP
The Federal Agency for the Security of the Belgian Food Chain (AFSCA) announced Friday 8 April to order the stop of the production of the factory of the Kinder chocolates at the origin of contamination with salmonella, deploring ” Incomplete information “provided by the Italian giant of the Ferrero confectionery. “After investigations (…) and following the observations of recent hours that the information provided by Ferrero are incomplete, the Agency shall take the authorization withdrawal from the Ferrero of Arlon production plant”, announces the ‘Afsca.
The decision to withdraw the authorization from the Arlon plant was taken “in order to make all the clarity on the situation,” commented on the Belgian Minister of Agriculture David Clarinval, cited in the statement. “Such a decision is never taken lightly, but the current circumstances impose it,” he added, citing the imperative food security.
In the stride, Ferrero has recognized “internal failures”, in a statement. The group “deeply regrets this case” and presents its “sincere excuses to all [the] consumers and business partners”.
Kinder surprise, Kinder mini eggs or schoko-good
“For several weeks, more than a hundred cases of salmonellosis have been identified in Europe,” said the AFSCA, pointing out that a “link” ended at the end of these intoxications and the Ferrero D Arlon (Belgium) “has been confirmed since then.” In addition, the Agency also orders the reminder of all products in the Kinder Series from the site.
“This comprehensive product recall concerns all products of the” Kinder surprise “type,” Kinder Surprise Maxi “,” Kinder Mini Eggs “,” Schoko-Bons “, regardless of lots or dates of expiry”, has specified the agency in a statement, asking “to distribution companies to remove all these products from the rays”.
The health authority emphasizes that it will closely follow the steps undertaken by Ferrero and will not allow the reopening of the site only after it has been able to conclude that the establishment meets all the rules and requirements of food safety ” The investigation at Ferrero continues, she said, calling consumers to eat any of the products involved.