Salmonella warning: retailers must check confectionery

FOOD Standards Scotland has issued a further warning concerning Kinder products linked to a salmonella outbreak, as relevant batches continue to be found on retailers’ shelves.

The food safety body said investigations conducted by Scottish local authorities found a “substantial number of businesses” with recalled products still available for sale.

While salmonella symptoms typically resolve themselves within a few days, they can be severe and lead to hospitalisation – especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems. Salmonella can also be spread from person to person, as well as form food, so those affected should maintain good hygiene practices and avoid handling food for others.

FSS is calling on small business owners to check their confectionery lines again for affected products. A full list can be found below.

Stuart McAdam, FSS head of incidents, said: “Investigations have found that some products previously recalled remain on retailer shelves. In addition, products intended for the European market only, that have been recalled by Ferrero in Europe, have been subsequently imported into the UK by UK importers not linked to Ferrero.

“While FSS continues to work closely with local authorities and Public Health Scotland, I would urge any small business owner to double check their stock to ensure recalled product isn’t available for sale.

“Any members of the public who have bought or spot recalled Kinder products on shelves or online are advised to raise the issue with the retailer and report the matter to their local authority so that action can be taken.”

Ferrero issues a recall on swathes of Kinder products in early April. The recall affects products from the confectionery giant’s plant in Arlon, Belgium. In a statement, Ferrero said: “We deeply regret this matter and would like to thank authorities for the ongoing collaboration and recommendations.

“We take food safety extremely seriously and every step we have taken has been guided by our commitment to consumer care.”

The confectionery maker is also asking UK consumers who have one of the affected products to keep it and contact Ferrero’s consumer care team at consumers.uk@ferrero.com.

The full list of recalled products, including a selection of European labelled products, include:

  • Kinder Surprise:

– Pack size 20g, all best before dates up to and including 04 January 2023

– Pack size 20g x 3, all best before dates up to and including 04 January 2023

– Pack size 100g, all best before dates up to and including 21 August 2022

  • Kinder Mini Eggs (pack size 75g): All best before dates up to and including 21 August 2022
  • Kinder Egg Hunt Kit (pack size 150g):All best before dates up to and including 21 August 2022.
  • Kinder Schokobons (pack size 70g, 200g, 320):All best before dates up to and including 04 January 2023
  • Kinder Maxi Mix Peluche (pack size 133g):Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Kinder Niespodzianka Maxi Lei (pack size 100g): Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Ferrero Kinder Mix Geschenktüte (pack size 193g):Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Ferrero Kinder Mix Bunte Mischung (pack size 132g):Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Kinder Niespodzianka Maxi Uni BN (pack size 100g):Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Kinder Surprise Geant Gar (pack size 100g):Best before date of 20 August 2022
  • Kinder Surprise Fille (pack size 100g):Best before date of 20 April 2022
  • Kinder Schokobons Sachet (pack size 125g and 200g):Best before date of 26 October 2022
  • Kinder Happy Moments (pack size 242g):Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Kinder Happy Moment Ballotin 1 (all pack sizes):Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Swieta Kinder Jajko Z Niespodzianka Maxi Uni Wn (pack size, 100g):Best before date of 21 August 2022
  • Swieta Kinder Maxi Mix Peluche Bn (pack size 133g):Best before date of 21 August 2022