Ferrero recalls some Kinder chocolate products after salmonella cases in Europe
Ferrero voluntarily recalled some of its Kinder chocolate products in parts of the USA after more than 100 cases of salmonella, mostly affecting children, were reported in Europe.
Ferrero USA announced Thursday that it was recalling its Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats basket because they were manufactured in a facility in Belgium where salmonella was detected.
For the chocolate assortments, the voluntary recall applies to BJ's Wholesale Club stores and select Costco locations in California's Bay Area and Northern Nevada, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The chocolate treats basket recall applies to 14 Big Y Supermarket locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts, where the company said the products have been removed from store shelves.
Though there have been no confirmed cases of salmonella in the USA, Ferrero said it is voluntarily recalling the products "out of an abundance of caution."
Customers who bought the affected products in the mentioned stores are advised not to eat them, and they may contact the company to get a refund or replacement.
Multiple Kinder products, including Kinder Eggs, were recalled in the United Kingdom and Canada for possible salmonella contamination. There were 114 salmonella cases, most of which involve children ages 10 and under, confirmed in eight European countries as of Friday, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The United Kingdom had the most confirmed cases with 65.
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Ferrero said Friday that all affected products, including the ones in the USA, were made at a factory in Arlon, Belgium, and salmonella was first detected at the site Dec. 15. The company suspended operations there until further notice.
"Ferrero acknowledges there were internal inefficiencies, creating delays in retrieving and sharing information in a timely manner. This impacted the speed and effectiveness of the investigations. The plant will only reopen once certified by the authorities," the company said in a statement. "We deeply regret this matter. We want to sincerely apologize to all our consumers and business partners and thank the food safety authorities for their valuable guidance."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ferrero recalls Kinder chocolates after salmonella cases in Europe
