Health Ministry recalls sale of certain Kinder chocolate products due to possible Salmonella contamination

The Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide recall on the sale of certain Kinder chocolate products due to possible Salmonella contamination.

They say members of the public are advised not to consume or purchase the chocolates as the contamination is possibly linked to chocolates that are distributed internationally from a Kinder chocolate factory in Belgium.

The products include 120g Easter Basket, 100g Surprise Maxi, 100g, 270g and 750g Mini Eggs Hazelnut, 100g Surprise Maxi (Natoons), 133g Maxi Xmas Mix with Plush (2021), 100g Surprise Xmas Maxi (2021), 190g Xmas Happy Moments Ballotin (2021) and 110g Surprise Xmas Maxi (Dysney Frozen 2021).

You should not eat these products and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Food products contaminated with Salmonella may cause illness if consumed and severe illness with children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65 years, people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms may include fever, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

The Health Ministry says if you or a family member have eaten any of these products and have concerns for your health, please seek medical advice.

They say health professionals receiving cases possibly linked to consumption of these products must inform the Ministry of Health and Medical Services using the contact information listed.

The Ministry says on Friday last week, they received an alert from the International Food Safety Authorities Network specifically regarding the food recall of these products by Ferrero Australia Pty. Ltd; including the recall of products redistributed from Australia to Fiji.

The recalled products are solely imported and distributed in Fiji by the Motibhai Group and have been available for purchase through MH Super fresh, MHCC, Extras Supermarkets in Flagstaff, Laucala Beach and Lautoka, Fresh Choice Supermarkets and Prouds Outlets.

The Health Ministry says Food Unit has met with distributors and retailers, who have agreed to remove the products from their shelves and to comply with the recall.

They further says health inspectors in the municipal councils and the Ministry are following up to ensure the distributor and retailers are taking prompt action.

All other Ferrero products, including other Kinder products which are manufactured in Italy, including Kinder Surprise 20g single and three-pack eggs in white, blue and pink varieties are not affected by this recall.

They add considering that the egg-shaped chocolates are a favourite for shoppers during the looming Easter celebration, the public is being advised to call 3215058/3215056 or email foodunitfiji@gmail.com or taina.waqaliva@health.gov.fj if you come across outlets selling the products.