Chocolate maker Ferrero has partially halted production at its Arlon factory in Belgium. Salmonella was detected at the factory. The second outbreak at the factory.
Chocolate maker Ferrero has partially halted production at its factory in Arlon, Belgium, due to the discovery of salmonella. However, the company assured that no final product tested positive. “Some production lines are closed,” the company said.
It was initially unclear where the salmonella was found. The bacterium was discovered at the end of June, according to Agence France-Presse. Arlon in the Belgian Ardennes is an important location for Ferrero. The Alba, Italy-based confectionary maker is best known for its Kinder and Nutella brands, among others.
Factory “not closed”
According to Ferrero, the competent authorities were informed that salmonella had been found. Every step of the verification should now be carried out in cooperation with the Belgian food regulator. Cleaning will take about two weeks, according to the company.
Ferrero said it would have no impact on current employment at the factory. A company spokesman said the plant “is not closed.” The discontinuation is a precautionary measure.
Second burst in a short time
This is the second outbreak of salmonella at a Belgian factory. Last spring, Surprise Eggs and other Ferrero products were recalled in several countries, including Germany, after a buildup of salmonella cases was discovered. The UK has been hit particularly hard, with 128 cases. At the time, the cause turned out to be impurities from a Belgian chocolate factory.
At the time, the Afsca regulator had revoked the production license from the factory until all rules and requirements for food safety were met. Ferrero only received final approval to keep the Arlon plant running last September.
Young children are especially vulnerable to salmonella
Salmonella can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and is one of the most common foodborne infections. Infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may be susceptible to more severe disease progression.