Easter is typically a boom time for chocolatiers — but not this season for Italy’s Ferrero SpA, the world’s third biggest chocolate producer and confectionery company.
In the first week of April Ferrero International recalled Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from New Zealand shelves because of potential contamination with salmonella bacteria. This included Easter-specific products in the range such as Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Egg Hunt, Kinder Happy Moment and more.
The action was part of a global recall, initially affected products, manufactured in a Belgian factory, with best before dates up to 7 October 2022. There had been cases of illnesses reportedly linked to the product overseas, but no confirmed cases in New Zealand at that stage.
By April 12 the recall was extended to include all Kinder product made in Belgium, including all batches and date ranges. It covers any product with ‘Made in Belgium’ on the label.
The products (listed below) were sold at retail stores throughout New Zealand including New World, Pak’n Save, Four Square, Countdown, FreshChoice, SuperValue, Kmart and The Warehouse stores. Some are also available at small retail stores.
“Check the label of Kinder chocolates. if it says ‘Made in Belgium’ it will be covered by the recall and should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. If you are in any doubt, please return the product to the place of purchase, says deputy director-general New Zealand Food Safety, Vincent Arbuckle.
Kinder Surprise, also known as Kinder Egg or Kinder Surprise Egg, is a milk chocolate egg surrounding a yellow plastic capsule with a small toy inside. Naturally, they’re very popular with children. The effects of salmonella infection can be serious, particularly in children younger than 5 years, adults 65 and over, and people with weakened immune systems.
“If you or a family member has eaten product affected by the recall and have concerns for your health, seek medical advice. Salmonella infection can spread between people, so if suspect you are affected please wash your hands thoroughly and avoid preparing food for others if possible.
“Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most healthy adults recover without treatment.”
To date there are no reported cases of related illness in New Zealand.
Ferrero has confirmed the recall impacts the following products:
- All batches of Kinder Surprise Maxi Eggs (100g) White, Natoons, Frozen, Christmas and Miraculous Range.
- All batches and sizes of Kinder Mini Eggs Hazelnut
- All batches of Kinder Happy Moments Ballotin (190g) (Christmas product)
- All batches of Kinder (133g) with a plush toy (Christmas product)
For up-to-date information on Ferrero’s recall, see The Ministry for Primary Industries information here.
