Several Kinder products were recalled after the chocolate was linked to over 100 cases of salmonella and now the factory behind the cases has been forced to close in the runup to Easter
63 people in the UK were affected by the food standards mishap and are reported to be mostly young children. The factory shutting comes after the European Food Safety Authority said it was investigating 105 confirmed and 29 suspected cases of salmonella.
It appears the problem sweets were made in the same factory, located in Belgium. Now, the Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats have been recalled by Ferrero in the US, Kinder's owner.
The popular treat is common in supermarkets and corner shops, but salmonella is a serious problem and can lead to illness.
Parents with young children should be particularly aware of which Kinder products could be a problem. So which Kinder products have been recalled?
Which Kinder products have been recalled?
The popular Kinder surprise is just one of the Kinder products to be recalled and there are five in total.
The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that people should be warned not to eat 20g or three-pack eggs between the advertised best before dates of July 11 and October 7 this year.
The full list is as follows:
Kinder Surprise
- 20g and 20g x 3
- Best before dates up to October 7
Kinder Surprise
- 100g
- Best before dates between April 20 and August 21
Kinder Mini Eggs
- 75g
- Best before dates between April 20 and August 21
Kinder Egg Hunt Kit
- 150g
- Best before dates between April 20 and August 21
Kinder Schokobons
- 200g
- Best before dates between April 20 and August 21
Products were recalled as a precautionary measure while the appropriate authorities investigate the problems and the recall was extended on Wednesday, April 6.
The FSA said: "We know that these particular products are popular with young children, especially as Easter approaches, so we would urge parents and guardians of children to check if any products already in their home are affected by this recall."
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhoea and vomiting which are usually treated fairly easily but can turn serious if ignored.
The Centre for Disease Control in the US said of the illness that the following symptoms should be looked out for:
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
Symptoms usually start between six hours and six days of the infection and can last between four to seven days.
Salmonella symptoms can sometimes be serious and you should seek medical advice if you have the following issues:
- Diarrhoea for more than three days
- Bloody stools
- Signs of dehydration like producing very little urine, a dry mouth and throat and dizziness when standing
- Diarrhoea and a fever of 102°F (38.8C)
For treating yourself or your child, the NHS said: "The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration."
With the Kinder products recalled, parents and those who may have bought the products should be on the lookout for signs of salmonella
40 of the 63 cases of salmonella caused by Kinder products are known to have affected children under five.
