As part of their investigation into a salmonella outbreak in “Kinder” chocolate products, Luxembourg and Belgian investigative authorities searched several locations of the Ferrero confectionery group on Wednesday. According to the public prosecutor of the Belgian province of Luxembourg, documents and computer hardware were seized, among other things. However, no one was arrested.
The Ferrero plant in Arlon, Belgium (pictured below), where the salmonella-contaminated children’s products were manufactured, was hit by one of the raids. The branch has been closed since April 8, following a decision by the health authorities. There were further raids on locations in Brussels and in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where Ferrero is also headquartered.
The investigations should clarify who is responsible for the Salmonella contamination and whether there has been a failure to inform the health authorities. Prosecutor’s Office spokeswoman Anne-Sophie Guilmot said investigations are underway into suspected “food safety and hygiene violations”, “negligent bodily harm” and “failure to provide assistance”.
Were the authorities warned too late?
The Italian confectionery group is suspected of warning the authorities too late and of recalling the products too late. Although salmonella was detected in a buttermilk tank in Arlon as early as December 2021, the company did not start recalling thousands of tons of “children’s products” until early April.
150 cases across Europe, 14 in Austria
In mid-April, European authorities linked 150 cases of salmonellosis in nine countries to the chocolate products. Most salmonella infections occurred in children under the age of ten. There are at least 14 confirmed cases in Austria. Ten of those affected were children, according to the Agency for Health and Food Security (AGES); five of them had to be treated in hospital.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
