Batches of kids' favourite Kinder Surprise eggs have been recalled just weeks before Easter amid fears they could be linked to a Salmonella outbreak.
International chocolate manufacturer, Ferrero, recalled the batches at the weekend. An update from the Food Standards Agency said only Belgian-made 20g eggs had been affected, specifically with a best before date from July 11 to October 7 2022.
In the alert, the FSA said: “This is in connection with a potential link to a salmonella outbreak. A number of these cases have been young children.”
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As a precautionary measure, Ferrero has recalled the products and people are being advised not to eat them. The FSA said the eggs were all manufactured at the same factory. Other Ferrero products are not thought to be affected. Its notice said: “We are voluntarily recalling selected batches of Kinder Surprise as a precautionary step, since we have become aware of a possible link to a number of reported cases of salmonella. The best before date can be found on the side of the 20g and the bottom of the 20g x 3 pack."
Anyone who has bought products in the specified date range can contact the Ferrero consumer care department at consumers.uk@ferrero.com or by calling 0330 053 8943 to obtain a full refund.
Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. While most cases resolve in a few days, symptoms can be severe and lead to hospital admission, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.
Tina Potter, the FSA’s head of incidents, told The Guardian : “We welcome the precautionary approach being taken by Ferrero and we know that these particular products are popular with young children, especially as Easter approaches, so we would urge parents and guardians of children to check if any products already in their home are affected by this recall. The food business involved has voluntarily carried out this product withdrawal and recall and we are working closely with them and their competent authorities to identify the precise cause of this outbreak.”
The toys inside the egg are not affected, the FSA added.
