Ferrero has given an update on the salmonella scare that has seen it withdraw Kinder eggs and other Kinder products from sale - having identified the source of the potential contamination - and says it knew about the problem last year. Ferrero says that thanks to collaboration with several food safety and public health authorities in Europe, it acquired new data showing a match between reported salmonella cases in Europe and its plant in Arlon, Belgium.
The company says the presence of salmonella was detected on December 15. After a deep investigation the point of origin was identified to be a filter at the outlet of two raw material tanks. Materials and finished products were blocked and not released. The matter is currently being investigated together with food safety authorities.
Following the issue, Ferrero took actions, including the removal of the filter, and significantly increased the already high level of controls on semi-finished and finished products.
