European health officials said 266 confirmed cases and 58 suspected cases of an outbreak of salmonella infection linked to chocolate Easter eggs have now been reported throughout Europe and in North America, the vast majority in children. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said 86.3% of the cases were among children aged 10 or younger, and for all cases in Europe with information available, 41.3% of them were admitted to hospital.
No deaths have been reported. Cases have been reported in 14 European countries, Canada and the United States.
The European Union agency still suspects a Belgian factory. 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.
