More chocolate sold at Coles, Woolworths, Kmart recalled over contamination
More Kinder chocolate products are being urgently recalled across Australia due to potential microbial Salmonella contamination.
Earlier this week, several Kinder chocolate products were recalled, however, more items have been added to the list over the weekend.
The Kinder products affected by the recall were sold across Australia at Coles, Woolworths, Target, Kmart, Big W, independent food retailers including IGA and petrol stations, and online.
The recall applies to all Best Before dates and batch codes, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand said.
The affected Kinder products are:
Kinder Easter Basket 120g (6x20g): 19300698000619
Kinder Mini Eggs Hazelnut: 100g: 19300698020242; 270g; 9300698503618; 750g: 9300698503618
Kinder Surprise Maxi (Miraculous) 100g: 19300698018591
Kinder Surprise Maxi (Natoons) 100g: 19300698016528
Kinder Surprise Xmas Maxi (Disney Frozen 2021) 100g: 9300698502246
Kinder Surprise Xmas Maxi (2021) 100g: 9300698501935
Kinder Maxi Xmas Mix with Plush (2021) 133g: 9300698504004
Kinder Xmas Happy Moments Ballotin (2021) 190g: 9300698503960
The affected products were manufactured in Belgium, though other Kinder products, including Kinder Surprise 20g single and three-pack eggs in white, blue and pink varieties, that were made in Italy are not impacted by the recall.
The recall is due to potential microbial contamination. Products contaminated with Salmonella could cause illness if consumed.
"Consumers should not eat this product and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund," Food Standards Australia and New Zealand said.
"Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice."
Salmonella cases linked to Kinder reported across Europe
There have been suspected cases of salmonella linked to Kinder chocolate across the globe, including in the UK, France, Germany and Belgium.
"Several cases of Salmonellosis have been reported in Europe for several weeks," Belgium's Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said in a statement.
"At the end of March, a link was suspected between these infections and the Ferrero factory in Arlon. The link was later confirmed."
The BBC reported there have been more than 60 cases of salmonella in the UK alone, many of which are young children.
Factory closed over cases
FASFC withdrew authorisation from the plant where the Kinder products were manufactured and said the factory will only be allowed to reopen if Ferrero guaranteed it can comply with food safety rules and regulations.
"In light of the situation, it has been decided to withdraw the authorisation of the Ferrero plant in Arlon, in order to provide clarity," Belgium's Secretary of Agriculture, David Clarinval said.
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"Such a decision is never taken lightly, but the current circumstances make it necessary. The food safety of our citizens should never be neglected."
About 7 per cent of Kinder products sold worldwide are produced at the Arlon factory.
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