Kinder Surprise eggs recalled in UK over salmonella link
- brkyngnn
- Apr 5, 2022
- 5 min read
According to the news of "the guardian", one of the leading newspapers in UK .
Ferrero recalling some batches of chocolate eggs after reported cases of salmonella poisoning, says FSA
The chocolate-maker Ferrero is recalling some batches of Kinder Surprise eggs in the UK due to a link with salmonella, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said.
In an alert, the FSA said: “This is in connection with a potential link to a salmonella outbreak. A number of these cases have been young children.”

Investigations led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland found a link between reported cases of salmonella poisoning across the UK and the Kinder eggs.
The products affected are 20g eggs or three-packs of eggs with best before dates between 11 July and 7 October 2022.
As a precautionary measure, Ferrero has recalled the products and people are being advised not to eat them. The FSA said the eggs were all manufactured at the same factory. Other Ferrero products are not thought to be affected.
Anyone who has bought products in the specified date range can contact the Ferrero consumer care department at consumers.uk@ferrero.com or by calling 0330 053 8943 to obtain a full refund.
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, the FSA’s 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 of 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.”
What is Salmonella ?
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through feces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food.
Typically, people with salmonella infection have no symptoms. Others develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within eight to 72 hours. Most healthy people recover within a few days without specific treatment.
In some cases, the diarrhea associated with salmonella infection can be so dehydrating as to require prompt medical attention. Life-threatening complications also may develop if the infection spreads beyond your intestines. Your risk of acquiring salmonella infection is higher if you travel to countries with poor sanitation.
Symptoms
Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days. Most salmonella infections can be classified as stomach flu (gastroenteritis). Possible signs and symptoms include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Fever
Chills
Headache
Blood in the stool
Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection generally last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, although it may take several months before bowels return to normal.
A few varieties of salmonella bacteria result in typhoid fever, a sometimes deadly disease that is more common in developing countries.
Causes
Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of people, animals and birds. Most people are infected with salmonella by eating foods that have been contaminated by feces. Commonly infected foods include:
Raw meat, poultry and seafood. Feces may get onto raw meat and poultry during the butchering process. Seafood may be contaminated if harvested from contaminated water.
Raw eggs. While an egg's shell may seem to be a perfect barrier to contamination, some infected chickens produce eggs that contain salmonella before the shell is even formed. Raw eggs are used in homemade versions of mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce.
Fruits and vegetables. Some fresh produce, particularly imported varieties, may be hydrated in the field or washed during processing with water contaminated with salmonella. Contamination also can occur in the kitchen, when juices from raw meat and poultry come into contact with uncooked foods, such as salads.
The Food and Drug Administration also indicates that some salmonella outbreaks have been traced to contaminants in spices. The agency is seeking ways to increase the safety of spices.
Many foods become contaminated when prepared by people who don't wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing a diaper. Infection also can occur if you touch something that is contaminated, including pets, especially birds and reptiles, and then put your fingers in your mouth.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of salmonella infection include activities that may bring you into closer contact with salmonella bacteria and health problems that may weaken your resistance to infection in general.
Increased exposure
International travel. Salmonella infection, including varieties that cause typhoid fever, is more common in developing countries with poor sanitation.
Owning a pet bird or reptile. Some pets, particularly birds and reptiles, can carry salmonella bacteria.
Stomach or bowel disorders
Your body has many natural defenses against salmonella infection. For example, strong stomach acid can kill many types of salmonella bacteria. But some medical problems or medications can short-circuit these natural defenses. Examples include:
Antacids. Lowering your stomach's acidity allows more salmonella bacteria to survive.
Inflammatory bowel disease. This disorder damages the lining of your intestines, which makes it easier for salmonella bacteria to take hold.
Recent use of antibiotics. This can reduce the number of "good" bacteria in your intestines, which may impair your ability to fight off a salmonella infection.
Immune problems
The following medical problems or medications appear to increase your risk of contracting salmonella by impairing your immune system.
AIDS
Sickle cell disease
Malaria
Anti-rejection drugs taken after organ transplants
Corticosteroids
Complications
Salmonella infection usually isn't life-threatening. However, in certain people — especially infants and young children, older adults, transplant recipients, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems — the development of complications can be dangerous.
Dehydration
If you can't drink enough to replace the fluid you're losing from persistent diarrhea, you may become dehydrated. Warning signs include:
Decreased urine output
Dry mouth and tongue
Sunken eyes
Reduced production of tears
Bacteremia
If salmonella infection enters your bloodstream (bacteremia), it can infect tissues throughout your body, including:
The tissues surrounding your brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
The lining of your heart or valves (endocarditis)
Your bones or bone marrow (osteomyelitis)
The lining of blood vessels, especially if you've had a vascular graft
Reactive arthritis
People who have had salmonella are at higher risk of developing reactive arthritis. Also known as Reiter's syndrome, reactive arthritis typically causes:
Eye irritation
Painful urination
Painful joints
Prevention
The Department of Agriculture has created a Salmonella Action Plan, which involves updating the poultry slaughter inspection system and enhancing sampling and testing programs for poultry and meat. The plan's purpose is to cut the number of salmonella infections in the United States.
You can also take care to avoid spreading bacteria to others. Preventive methods are especially important when preparing food or providing care for infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Be sure to cook food thoroughly and refrigerate or freeze food promptly.
Wash your hands
Washing your hands thoroughly can help prevent the transfer of salmonella bacteria to your mouth or to any food you're preparing. Wash your hands after you:
Use the toilet
Change a diaper
Handle raw meat or poultry
Clean up pet feces
Touch reptiles or birds
Keep things separate
To prevent cross-contamination:
Store raw meat, poultry and seafood away from other foods in your refrigerator
If possible, have two cutting boards in your kitchen — one for raw meat and the other for fruits and vegetables
Never place cooked food on an unwashed plate that previously held raw meat
Avoid eating raw eggs
Cookie dough, homemade ice cream and eggnog all contain raw eggs. If you must consume raw eggs, make sure they've been pasteurized.
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