On April 7, 2022, the Ferrero U.S.A. Inc. announced its voluntary recall of Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats basket due to possible contamination with Salmonella typhimurium.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons, if affected, may present symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections and arthritis.
Although Belize is not one of the recipient countries of the implicated products as of April 10, 2022, Mexico has been named as a recipient. Due to geographic location, it is of interest that the market in Belize is investigated to determine its presence. The ministry has commenced a thorough investigation through the public health departments countrywide, including visits to major supermarkets. Where any one of these products is identified, it will be seized and destroyed in accordance with the Food and Drug Act, Chapter 291.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises the public to be aware of any of the two popular Easter candy products and encourages persons to report any suspicion to the ministry or nearest public health department.
