Kinder Surprise

Chinese customs on Friday warned consumers not to eat Ferrero chocolate products produced in Belgium, which have been recalled by the company over the risk of salmonella contamination.

The General Administration of Customs (GAC) told Chinese consumers not to purchase products made at Ferrero's Arlon plant in Belgium through any channel. 

Consumers who have obtained the products should immediately stop eating them and contact the seller or Ferrero China for a refund, the GAC said in a statement on Friday.

Italian chocolate maker Ferrero Group announced a worldwide recall of its Kinder Surprise, Kinder Surprise Maxi, Kinder Mini Eggs and Kinder Schok-Bons products made at its Arlon plant in Belgium, saying that there was a possibility of salmonella contamination.

The recall was confirmed by the WHO International Food Safety Network and Belgian Embassy in China.

Salmonella is the most common form of food poisoning caused by bacteria. It usually results in stomach cramps and diarrhea that lasts four to seven days, but it can lead to death in the worst cases.

Ferrero China on April 9 apologized to Chinese consumers over its Kinder product recalls. 

Kinder products made in China have no connection to the factory in Belgium, and aren't covered in the recall, the company said in a statement.

Ferrero further explained that chocolate products sold in China are mainly Kinder Joy, instead of the Kinder Surprise series on the recall list.

It has suspended production at its Arlon plant in Belgium and is actively working with local food safety authorities to investigate the salmonella outbreak.

Global Times