CFS closely follows up on imported chocolate products with possible contamination of Salmonella

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, said today (April 9) that the CFS continues to actively follow-up on imported chocolate products with possible contamination of Salmonella, a pathogen. The CFS advises the trade to stop using, remove from shelves and stop selling all Kinder products manufactured by Ferrero's factory in Arlon, Belgium, and urges the public not to consume the products.

The CFS noted a statement issued by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain of Belgium concerning the suspension of operations of Ferrero's factory in Arlon, Belgium as their products are suspected to be contaminated by Salmonella. Based on information currently available, only Kinder products are affected so far. The statement also pointed out that the factory represents approximately 7 per cent of the total volume of Kinder products manufactured worldwide per year.

As a precaution, the CFS advises the trade to stop using, remove from shelves and stop selling all Kinder products manufactured by the concerned factory. The CFS again followed up with major local importers and retailers. Preliminary investigation found that apart from the products, mentioned in the CFS's press releases issued on April 6 and yesterday (April 8), which have been stopped sale, removed from shelves and recalled, no local availability of other related products has been detected so far. The trade should contact the CFS if they possess the affected products, the information of which can be found at the CFS's Food Incident Post webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/rc/subject/fi_list.html). The trade and the public may also call the consumer service team of Ferrero Asia Limited at 2956 0383 for enquiries on the issue.

"Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and persons with a weak immune system could be more severe and may even lead to death," the spokesman said.

The CFS has alerted the trade to the incident, stepped up testing of related products, and will continue to follow up, closely liaise with overseas authorities and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Saturday, April 9, 2022