Salmonella Prompts Recall of Multiple Kinder Products
Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. issued a recall of its Kinder ® Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder ® Mix Chocolate Treats baskets yesterday. The recall follows detection of Salmonella typhimurium in the facility where the products were manufactured. Although no illnesses have been confirmed in the United States, there have been reported cases of Salmonella in consumers that consumed products in Europe that were manufactured at the same facility.
Ferraro released the following statement in its recall notice: “Ferrero deeply regrets this situation. We take food safety extremely seriously and every step we have taken has been guided by our commitment to consumer care. We will continue to work cooperatively with the Food and Drug Administration to address this matter.”
The recalled Kinder Happy Moments Milk Chocolate and Crispy Wafers Assortments were sold in Costco in the Bay Area and Northern Nevada and BJ’s Wholesale Club stores. These products have one of the following lot codes on the back panel: 48RUP334; 48RUP335; 48RUP336; or 48RUP337. The UPC code, located on the right side panel, is 09800 52025.
The recalled Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats Baskets were sold in 14 Big Y Supermarket locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. These products have the following lot code on the bottom of the package: 03L 018AR – 306. The UPC code, also located on the bottom of the package, is 09800 60209.
About Salmonella Infection
Common symptoms resulting from infection with Salmonella bacteria include diarrhea (which may be bloody), stomach cramps, and fever, which begin anywhere from six hours to six days after ingestion. On average, symptoms last four to seven days. Additional common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
People acquire Salmonella by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria, or touching infected animals and failing to wash their hands afterwards. Outbreaks of Salmonella have been tied to contaminated vegetables, such as bean sprouts, as well as to contaminated poultry, beef, and eggs.
The CDC recommends contacting a doctor in certain situations. First, diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees requires medical attention. You should also seek medical attention for diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that is not improving. Bloody stools also require prompt medical attention. This is also true in the case of continued vomiting that keeps you from keeping liquids down. Finally, you should call your doctor if you have signs of dehydration. These include making very little urine (peeing infrequently), dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up.