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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Gemma Ryder

Dozens of Salmonella cases now linked to Kinder chocolates in UK

A total of 67 cases of Salmonella have now been linked to Kinder confectionary products across the UK as of April 13.

The majority of those hit by the outbreak have been young children under five years of age as products affected, include; Kinder Surprise and Mini Eggs, which are targeted at a younger audience.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say they are continuing to work with Food Standards Scotland and Public Health Scotland as well as other authorities to investigate the ongoing outbreak.

The Food Standards Agency has warned members of the public not to eat any of the suspect products including a certain batch of Kinder Schokobons and Mini Eggs made by the Ferrero group.

Ferrero have also recalled a number of products and they have suspended all operations at its factory in Belgium.

The FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have said they've been concerned about delays in Ferrero’s sharing of information during the investigation, which has contributed to time gaps in the recall process and a number of separate recalls having to be undertaken.

Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Pathogens and Food Safety (One Health) at UKHSA, said: "We would like to thank all the parents who worked with us and other public health authorities in the UK to tell us what their children had eaten prior to becoming unwell – they allowed us to rapidly pinpoint a potential source, which facilitated food chain investigations both in this country and in Europe.

"We understand this has been a worrying time for these families, and their responses have helped to prevent more children being affected.

Symptoms of salmonellosis typically resolve themselves within a few days.

However, symptoms can be more severe, especially in young children, those who are pregnant and those with weakened immune systems.

Leah Laidlaw, from Dundee, previously told the Record that herself and her two young boys were floored with suspected salmonella poisoning after buying two Kinder products last month.

Dr Larkin added: "Salmonella can be spread from person to person as well as from food, so anyone affected should adhere to good hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoiding handling food for others where possible, if you have symptoms.

"Anybody with concerns that they have symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their GP or call NHS 111."

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