Ferrero temporarily suspends operations at Belgian site over salmonella link

Belgian health authorities have ordered Ferrero to suspend production at its plant in Arlon, Belgium, after an investigation into salmonella cases suspected as being linked to Kinder chocolate.

Last week, Italian confectionery giant Ferrero recalled a number of its Kinder products due to concerns surrounding salmonella. 

The affected chocolate was produced at the Arlon site, where Ferrero confirmed it had found salmonella in a filter last December.

In the UK, the Food Standards Agency stated that at least 63 cases of salmonella have been identified as linked to Kinder products, most of which were in children under five years of age. 

Other countries affected by recalls included the US and a number of European states.

According to Reuters, Belgium’s food safety agency AFSCA-FAVV has now said that a link has been confirmed between more than a hundred cases of salmonella and Ferrero production.

The agency reportedly said the decision to temporarily close the plant was taken after it concluded that information from Ferrero was incomplete.

Commenting on the suspension of operations at Arlon, Ferrero said it acknowledged “there were internal inefficiencies, creating delays in retrieving and sharing information in a timely manner”. 

The statement continued: “This impacted the speed and effectiveness of the investigations. The plant will only reopen once certified by the authorities.”