Less than 10 days until Easter, Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. is voluntarily recalling its Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats basket, because of possible Salmonella Typhimurium contamination.
The products are being recalled because they were manufactured in a facility where Salmonella typhimurium was detected. While there are no reports of illness in the United States to date, Ferrero is voluntarily recalling the products out of an abundance of caution due to reported cases of Salmonella in consumers that consumed products in Europe that were manufactured at the same facility.
Eight countries have reported 119 confirmed and 28 probable monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to the chocolate products. More can be read about the outbreak here.
Recalled products in the United States:
| Product | Kinder Happy Moments Milk Chocolate and Crispy Wafers Assortment | Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats Basket |
| Size and Package Type | 14.1 OZ (400g) square box with lid | 5.3 OZ (152g) cardboard basket |
| Best By Date and location | July 18, 2022 (back panel) | July 30, 2022 (bottom of package) |
| Lot Codes and location | 48RUP334; 48RUP335; 48RUP 336; 48RUP337 (back panel) | 03L 018AR – 306 (bottom of package) |
| UPC Code and location | 09800 52025 (right side panel) | 09800 60209 (bottom of package) |
| Retail Locations | Costco in the Bay Area and Northern Nevada and BJ’s Wholesale Club stores | 14 Big Y Supermarket locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts |
As of the posting of this recall, there are no reports of illness in the United States connected to these products.
Consumers who have purchased the affected product should not eat the product. If original packaging is not available to check, it is better to error on the side of caution and not eat the recalled products.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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