Kinder chocolates recalled in US due to possible salmonella contamination

Fears about salmonella could ruin Easter for some, as Italian candy company Ferrero is recalling Kinder chocolate products over salmonella concerns.

The company is recalling Kinder Happy Moments chocolates and Kinder Mix chocolate treats after salmonella was discovered at the Belgium factory where they were produced.

Both items are marketed as Easter candy, and with the holidays only nine days from April 17, the recall is a setback for company and those planning to purchase treats to celebrate.

The company has also recalled another product, Surprise Chocolate Eggs, which launched in the UK over the Easter holidays earlier this week.

Ferrero deeply regrets this situation. “We take food safety very seriously and our commitment to care for the consumer in every step we take has taken root.”

The company claims that cases of Salmonella related to eggs produced in Belgium have been detected in Europe.

However, no case of chocolate has been found in the United States.

The company says the Happy Moments Chocolate line recall applies to BJ’s and Costco locations in the Bay Area and Northern Nevada.

The Mix Chocolate Treats recall applies to products distributed at 14 Big Y Supermarket stores in the New England area.

The withdrawn products have already been removed from the shelves and those who have purchased them before are advised to return them to the store or contact Ferrero.

This attraction continues the rough start of spring for the iconic chocolate brand.

Kinder eggs were withdrawn in the UK and Ireland earlier this week due to salmonella-like issues.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control is investigating more cases of Salmonella related to chocolate eggs in nine countries.

The company states that salmonella has not been detected in certain eggs, but is still being withdrawn as a precaution.

Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats box of chocolates recalled by Ferrero due to possible salmonella contamination

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonella bacteria infect 1.35 million infections each year.

The agency also reports 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths related to the condition each year.

The CDC says infected people often experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

Rarely, the condition is fatal and often goes away on its own. In severe cases, doctors often prescribe antibiotics.

Salmonella is common in raw chicken, and about five percent of packages are sold in stores at detectable levels.

However, cooking raw chicken completely kills bacteria and is completely safe to consume.