As the investigation continues, the Kinder chocolates recalled has been expanded. The Singapore Food Agency extended its recall of Kinder chocolate products due to the possible presence of Salmonella.
In this article, you'll read:
- The possible presence of Salmonella in Kinder chocolate products
- What is Salmonella?
- Notable symptoms of Salmonella bacteria
The Possible Presence of Salmonella in Kinder Chocolates
Singapore expands the order of Kinder chocolate recalled products from Belgium. Aside from the first recalled batches, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recognised another. This time, the order followed a possible presence of Salmonella in the treats.
According to SFA, the warning came from the new recalled alert from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. They also said that the recall includes products under all batches and best before dates. The four chocolate products include Kinder Schokobons, Kinder Surprise Maxi, Kinder Mini Eggs, and Kinder Egg Hunt Kit.
The Singapore Food Agency demanded five importers recall the affected products. The firms in mention include Kaimay Trading, Heinemann Asia Pacific, Focus Network Agencies, Walluco and Le Petit Depot.
Kinder Chocolates Recalled Are From Affected Batches in Belgium
The Kinder chocolates we know and love primarily came from Belgium. However, it is owned and managed by the Italian confectionery group Ferrero. According to the company, all the affected products were made at a factory in Arlon, Belgium. The authorities first detected Salmonella at this site on the 15th of December 2021.
Kinder products in several countries were also hit by product recalls with similar concerns. Affected nations include the United States and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Ferrero decided to suspend its operations in Belgium until further notice. They consider Salmonella as a serious issue that does not just damage the company but also its consumers' health.
Salmonella’s Effects on Children
Salmonella usually causes food-borne sicknesses if you eat food that has the said bacteria. In most cases, children aged ten and below suffer from its severe effects. If you consumed products with suspected salmonella presence, you must immediately seek medical help. You need to consult with a doctor or go to your nearest health care provider as soon as possible. If you believe you're one of the victims, you may reach out to the list of affected importers.
Elsewhere, a man claims that Kinder chocolates are not among those affected by the recall. Mr Ken Ong is a 40-year-old man who works in Ong Jit Sand Sundries Store in Braddell.
"The products being recalled are actually not that popular in Singapore. I don't think that the sales of the Kinder products at our store will be affected because the products are obviously not the same," says the worker.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that frequently causes food-related illnesses. It typically lives in animal and human intestines and are shed through faeces. Like most viruses, you cannot see, smell, or taste them. It also swiftly attacks your intestinal tract once consumed.
Humans usually become infected by the bacteria after consuming contaminated drinks or food. Unfortunately for them, people with salmonella infection show almost no symptoms. However, others suffer from seemingly unexplained diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Infected individuals commonly experience severe symptoms within 8 to 72 hours. Fortunately, most of them recover within a few days without specific treatment.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
The usual cause of Salmonella Infection is through eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or egg products. The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days.
Furthermore, most Salmonella infections are classified as gastroenteritis or stomach flu. The potential signs or symptoms of infection include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Blood in the stool
The signs and symptoms mentioned above generally last two to seven days. If infected, you may continuously suffer from diarrhoea that can last up to ten days. Unfortunately, it could take several months before your bowels return to normal.
Causes of Salmonella Infection
As mentioned, you may suffer from Salmonella infection by eating contaminated meals. To avoid this, here are some of the commonly infected food associated with Salmonella:
- Raw meat, poultry and seafood
Raw meat and poultry could get faeces during the butchering process. Meanwhile, harvesting seafood in contaminated water can cause exposure to Salmonella.
- Raw eggs
Some infected chickens produce eggs that contain Salmonella. To avoid any form of infection, you must remember to cook your eggs well before eating.
- Fruits and vegetables
Salmonella contamination in fruits and vegetables can come from washing them with affected water. Remember to use fresh tap water to avoid this Salmonella bacteria risk.
How to avoid having a Salmonella infection
To avoid any possibility of Salmonella infection, you must take necessary precautions. Based on earlier information, the bacteria is closely linked to cooking and food. Because of this, you must remain vigilant in keeping your kitchen clean. Here are some preventive measures you can do to stop its spread:
- Wash your hand thoroughly to prevent the transfer of salmonella bacteria to your mouth or to any food you're preparing.
- Keep ingredients separate to avoid cross-contamination.
- Avoid eating raw eggs or meat
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