Credit: Pixabay

Luxembourg's Government Commissariat for Quality, Fraud and Food Safety has announced the recall of various Ferrero chocolate products over a potential link to a salmonella outbreak in serveral European countries.

The Luxembourg authorities have been informed by their Belgian colleagues of the recall of several Ferrero brand products following the detection of a high number of cases of illness (gastroenteritis) from an identical strain of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium.

Currently, there are more than 90 cases of illness in seven European countries. In Luxembourg, one case was recently identified and is currently under investigation.

The products recalled by the Belgian authorities are the following:

- Kinder Surprise (20g and 3x20g), with best before dates between 11 July and 7 October 2022

- Kinder Surprise Maxi, with best before dates between 10 August and 10 September 2022

- Schoko Bons, with best before dates between 10 August and 10 September 2022

- Kinder Mini Eggs, with best before dates between 10 August and 10 September 2022.

It has not yet been confirmed whether or not these batches have been marketed in stores in Luxembourg.

In view of the information currently available, only the best before dates mentioned above are concerned.

However, as these products are popular among young people and with Easter approaching, the Luxembourg authorities have recommended that consumers check whether they have the products with the relevant best before dates in their possession and that they no longer consume them.

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause a food infection, salmonellosis. There are many types of Salmonella. Salmonellosis is a form of gastroenteritis that can manifest itself with symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea within six to 72 hours of eating the infected food. Often the disease goes away without complications. Young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and the elderly are more likely to develop symptoms.

In some cases, salmonellosis can take on more serious forms. In case of severe symptoms, those concerned should consult a doctor who can identify a suitable treatment.