The Italian group, which has already been forced to recall certain batches manufactured in Belgium in several European countries, presented its “sincere apologies” in a press release.
The Belgian food safety agency (FASFC) announced on Friday that it had ordered the cessation of production at the Kinder chocolate factory, the source of salmonellosis contamination, deploring “incomplete informationprovided by Italian confectionery giant Ferrero. “After investigations (…) and following the findings of recent hours that the information provided by Ferrero is incomplete, the Agency is today withdrawing authorization from the Ferrero production plant in Arlon», Indicates a press release from the FASFC, which also orders the recall of all products in the Kinder range from the site.
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The manufacturer acknowledged in the wake “that there were internal failures“, in a press release. The group says it regretsdeeply this case» and presents his «sincere apologies to all our consumers and business partners“, ensuring take”all the necessary measures to preserve the total confidence of our consumers».
The Italian group was forced to recall certain batches manufactured in Belgium in several European countries (France, Belgium, United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands) due to a link “potential” with cases of salmonella. The recall has even been extended to retailers in the United States. “There are no confirmed cases in the United States to date and no other Kinder or Ferrero products are affected by this recall.“, said in a press release the group.
21 cases reported in France
Some 63 cases of salmonellosis have already been identified in the UK. In France, 21 cases have been reported and 15 said they had consumed Kinder products which are now subject to a recall, according to Santé Publique France. If eight of them were hospitalized, all returned home, according to SPF. “The investigations carried out by Public Health France revealed the consumption of certain Kinder brand products subject to this withdrawal-recall in the days preceding the onset of symptoms in the 15 patients who could be questioned at this time.“, added the health agency. These products were manufactured in a single factory, in Arlon, Belgium, which is therefore now shut down by decision of the Belgian authorities.