Centre for Food Safety

Chocolate products

Brand: Kinder

Place of origin: Belgium

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• The trade should stop using, remove from shelves and stop selling the products concerned.
• The trade should contact the CFS if they possess the affected products.

• Consumers should not consume the products.

The CFS press release

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.