Why is Europe recalling Kinder Surprise eggs? 

Ferrero Internacional S.A. recalled several batches of its Kinder Surprise Eggs products from two European countries on Tuesday after a possible link with reported cases of Salmonella.

The products to be removed from the UK and French markets will be those with an expiration date between July 11 and October 7, 2022.

"While none of our Kinder products released to the market have tested positive for salmonella and we have received no consumer complaints, we take this very seriously as consumer care is our top priority," the company announced in a statement.

At least 60 cases of salmonella were reported, presumably linked to the consumption of Kinder eggs. Approximately 40 of those cases involve children up to five years of age, according to British media reports cited by Semana.

So far, no deaths related to the bacteria have been reported and the health condition of the affected people is unknown, the newspaper continues.

The Italian company is working together with public authorities, including the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF), to ensure that this batch of products is no longer on the market.

“Ferrero has recalled selected batches of Kinder Surprise eggs because of the possible presence of salmonella. If you have bought the below product, do not eat it. Instead, please contact Ferrero to obtain a full refund,” posed the UK Health Security Agency on Twitter. 

Ferrero has recalled selected batches of Kinder Surprise eggs because of the possible presence of salmonella.

If you have bought the below product, do not eat it. Instead, please contact Ferrero to obtain a full refund.

Read more: https://t.co/DKq1817qze https://t.co/wd2yNtOtac pic.twitter.com/j5ZmHUZZPP

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) April 4, 2022

The products recalled by the company in France include:

• Kinder Surprise 20 g (packages of one, three, four, and six) and 100 g with expiration dates between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2022.
• Kinder Schoko-Vouchers with expiration dates between the end of April 2022 and the end of August 2022.
• Kinder Mini Eggs with expiration dates between the end of April and the end of August.
• Kinder Happy Moments, Kinder Mix: 193g, Basket 150g, Plush 133g, Bucket 198g, with expiration dates at the end of August 2022.

Salmonella infection "is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract," Mayo Clinic experts explained. "Salmonella bacteria generally live in the intestines of animals and humans and are released through feces. Humans are most often infected through contaminated food or water.”

Infected persons may or may not show symptoms. Among the most common side effects are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.