Nearly 60 cases of salmonella have been associated with Kinder Surprise eggs after a chocolate company withdrew the treats due to health concerns.
Around 40 percent of them are in children under the age of five.
Ferrero said the snacks were being withdrawn as a precaution while investigations into the relationship continue, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The 57 incidents have not resulted in any deaths, and it is unclear how sick the individuals are.
The FSA claims that 77 percent of them are under the age of five – a figure that should be 44 – but when Revyuh.com enquired earlier, the agency was unable to confirm the actual figure.
The 20g eggs or the three-pack of eggs are all affected, with a best-before date between July 11 and October 7 2022.
Ferrero has issued a recall for the products, and consumers are advised not to consume them.
The recall was announced by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) due to a ‘potential link to a salmonella outbreak,’ according to the advisory.
It went on to say that the eggs were all made in the same factory and that no other Ferrero products were affected.
Salmonella causes diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, and fever, among other symptoms.
While most instances clear up in a few days, severe symptoms sometimes necessitate hospitalization, particularly in the very young and those with compromised immune systems.
Tina Potter, FSA head of incidents, stated: “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, a surveillance lead at the UKHSA, added: “Anybody with concerns that they have symptoms of salmonellosis should contact their GP.
“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.”
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