The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (Afsca) is reminding consumers on Monday of several Ferrero brand chocolate products due to the presence of salmonella bacteria. The products in question were manufactured in the Ferrero factory in Arlon.
63 people, mostly young children, have been infected with salmonella in the UK after consuming Kinder Surprise eggs produced in Belgium (read also). The Ferrero company has recalled certain batches of these treats as a precaution while investigations into these cases of poisoning continue, specifies the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
No cases reported in Belgium
Several cases have also been reported elsewhere in Europe such as in Ireland, or even in France where 21 patients have been identified so far. But also in Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. No fatal cases have been reported in Britain or elsewhere. In Belgium, no cases have been reported. The products are withdrawn from the market as a precautionary measure. Most cases of infection are in children under 5 years old.
Children mainly affected
In France, the median age of patients is 4 years. A hundred cases have reportedly been identified so far on the continent. In Belgium, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (Afsca) on Monday recalled several chocolate products including the famous 20 gr and 3X20 gr eggs from the Ferrero brand due to the possible presence of the bacteria. The products in question were manufactured in the Ferrero factory in Arlon.
What are the symptoms ?
Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. While most cases resolve within a few days, symptoms can be severe and lead to hospitalization, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.