Some 57 people in the UK, mostly young children, have become infected with salmonella in an outbreak linked to Kinder Surprise eggs.
Chocolate firm Ferrero is recalling some batches of the eggs as a precaution while investigations continue into the link, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.
In Ireland, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has already recalled some Kinder Surprise products. There are at least 10 cases in Ireland with the same strain of Salmonella responsible for the UK outbreak.
More cases have reportedly been recorded in Europe, including in France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. The eggs are made in Belgium.
No deaths have been reported in the UK but around 77 per cent of the cases involve children aged five and under.
In an alert, the UK's FSA said the recall is due to a “potential link to a salmonella outbreak”.
Ferrero has recalled selected batches of Kinder Surprise eggs because of the possible presence of salmonella.
If you have bought the below product, do not eat it. Instead, please contact Ferrero to obtain a full refund.
Read more: https://t.co/DKq1817qze https://t.co/wd2yNtOtac pic.twitter.com/j5ZmHUZZPP— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) April 4, 2022
The products affected are the 20g eggs or the three-pack of eggs, all with a best-before date between July 11th 2022 and October 7th 2022.
Ferrero has recalled the products and people are being advised not to eat them.
The FSA said the eggs have all been manufactured at the same factory, and other Ferrero products are not thought to be affected.
Investigations so far have been led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland.
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, FSA head of incidents, said: “We welcome the precautionary approach being taken by Ferrero and are advising consumers not to eat any of the products listed in the FSA alert.
“It is really important that consumers follow this advice to avoid the risk of becoming ill with salmonella poisoning.
“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.”
Dr Lesley Larkin, a surveillance lead at the UKHSA, said: “Anybody with concerns that they have symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their GP or call NHS 111.
“Salmonella can be spread from person to person, so anyone affected should adhere to good hygiene practice such as washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoiding handling food for others where possible, if you have symptoms.”
