KENYA – Tests conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has indicated that Kinder Joy products imported into the country are safe for consumption.
KEBS had embarked on the analysis to dispel fears among consumers that the consumption of the said chocolate, which was withdrawn from most markets after the European Food Safety Authority detected about 134 Salmonella cases especially among children, was harmful.
The European countries had explained that the bacteria contained in the Kinder Joy was causing fever, nausea, diarrhoea, cramping, and vomiting among children.
Italian candy maker, Ferrero, recalled some of its products including Milk Chocolate, Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats Basket, and Crispy Wafers Assortment.
According to Bernard Njiraini, KEBS Managing Director, there is no evidence of the bacteria in Kenyan products.
Njiraini explained in a statement that Kinder Joy products stocked locally were shipped in from India and Italy as opposed to Belgium which has been identified as the origin of the contaminated products.
“The Kinder variants sold locally are sourced from Italy and India, as the countries of origin, not Belgium – the country that has been identified as the source of the contaminated variants,” he stated.
Following an analysis of 31 samples of the Kinder Joy products collected from local retailers which showed no presence of Salmonella contamination, the regulator ascertained their safety.
“To ensure the safety and health of product consumers across the country, KEBS will in the interim continue to carry out precautionary measures on the Kinder products and target the same for further surveillance based on the widespread global concerns,” KEBS noted.
Other countries recall products
More cases had reportedly been recorded in Europe, including Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.
In Germany, batches of three-pack Kinder Surprise Eggs with a best-before date between April and June of 2022 are being recalled.
Other products subject to the recall include Kinder Choco-Bons and Kinder Choco-Bons White with a best-before date between May and September 2022.
Additionally, the Kinder Surprise Maxi (100 grams), Kinder Mini Eggs (100 grams) and Children’s Mix packs containing any of the items above with a best-before date between August and September 2022 are also subject to the recall.
Health authorities in France also announced a recall of products there after 21 were sickened, 15 having consumed the products being recalled.
Ferrero pointed out that while none of its products had been proven to have a link to the salmonella outbreak, it was announcing the voluntary recall on several hundred tons of products as a precaution.
It has now been forced to extend its recall of Kinder products to include all those manufactured at a site in Belgium.
The previous recall was announced amid salmonella concerns and only covered products with best-before dates up to 7 October, 2022. However it has now been widened to include all Kinder products manufactured at Ferrero’s Arlon site since June.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said the latest update means all the products in the recall notice, no matter what the best-before date is, should not be eaten. The products affected by the recall are Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Egg 100g and Kinder Schoko-Bons.
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