There have been 266 confirmed cases and 58 suspected cases of an outbreak of salmonella infection linked to chocolate Easter eggs, European health officials have stated.
The cases have been reported in 14 European countries, Canada and the United States with the vast majority found in children.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said 86.3 per cent of the cases were among children aged 10 or younger, and for all cases in Europe with information available, 41.3 per cent of them were admitted to hospital. No deaths have been reported.
As Wales Online reports, the European Union agency still suspects a Belgian factory that produces Kinder products.
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Its closure in April, the global recall and withdrawal of its products from the shelves “have reduced the risk of exposure, but new cases may occur due to the long shelf life and possible storage of products at home”, the agency said.
Food authorities in several European countries said that Italian company Ferrero had recalled specific batches of Kinder chocolate products due to suspicions of a connection between the products and an outbreak of salmonella in early April.
The two outbreak strains were identified in 10 of the 81 salmonella-positive samples that were taken in the Belgian plant in December and January, including in buttermilk, semi-finished and finished products.
The buttermilk was provided by an Italian supplier where salmonella was not detected.
The two strains are both multidrug-resistant.
The agency said on Wednesday, “Based on the available evidence, salmonella has not been detected in other plants,”
The Stockholm-based agency said it continues to monitor the situation and encouraged close co-operation with food safety authorities in the countries affected.
