International salmonellosis outbreak among young children linked to the consumption of Kinder brand products. Update as of April 12, 2022.
Update as of April 12, 2022, following the recall of several Kinder products manufactured at a factory in Belgium due to suspected contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium.
Salmonellosis
thematic dossier
Non-typhoid salmonellosis refers to infectious diseases caused by Salmonella bacteria that infect the digestive tract. These diseases are generally characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms.
Following investigations conducted by Belgian health authorities, in collaboration with their British, European, and notably French counterparts, Ferrero issued a recall on April 5, 2022, for several products in the Kinder range manufactured at a factory in Belgium due to suspected contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium. On April 8, 2022, the recall was ultimately expanded to include all Kinder products from this factory, regardless of their expiration date.
Cases of salmonellosis in France: update as of April 12, 2022
As of April 12, 2022, a total of 33 cases have been identified by the National Reference Center (CNR) for Salmonella at the Pasteur Institute in France.
The cases are spread across 11 regions: Île-de-France (6 cases), Grand Est (5 cases), Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (4 cases), Hauts-de-France (4 cases), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (3 cases), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (3 cases), Normandy (2 cases), Burgundy-Franche-Comté (2 cases), Brittany (2 cases), Corsica (1 case), and Occitanie (1 case), with a median age of 4 years, including 17 boys and 16 girls.
Twenty-two cases were interviewed by Santé publique France. All cases reported consuming chocolates from the brand mentioned here prior to the onset of their symptoms. Nine people were hospitalized for salmonellosis, all of whom have since been discharged. No deaths have been reported.
Santé publique France is continuing its investigations with families who have not yet been reached.
The recall of the affected Kinder brand products on April 5, expanded on April 8 to include the entire production from the Belgian factory—which was subsequently shut down by Belgian authorities—should limit the occurrence of new salmonellosis cases in France in the coming days and weeks.
For a list of products affected by the recall: https://rappel.conso.gouv.fr/
Anyone who has consumed the products mentioned above and is experiencing symptoms (gastrointestinal issues, fever within 72 hours of consumption) is advised to consult their doctor immediately and inform them of this consumption.
To limit person-to-person transmission (especially in households with young children), it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom, after changing a child, and before cooking.
See the previous points
Multi-country outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type (ST) 34 linked to chocolate products (ECDC, 04/12/22)
Recall of all Kinder products manufactured at the Arlon plant, which was closed by Belgian authorities (press release dated 04/08/22)
Additional information regarding the recall of Kinder brand products due to Salmonella Typhimurium contamination (press release dated 04/07/22)
International outbreak of salmonellosis among young children linked to the consumption of Kinder brand products. Update as of April 6, 2022. (news from 04/07/22)
Recall of Kinder brand products (Kinder Surprise, Kinder Surprise Maxi, Schoko-Bons, and Kinder Mini Eggs) due to suspected Salmonella Typhimurium infection (press release dated 04/04/22)
