Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) issued, on Thursday night (14), a resolution that prohibits the marketing, distribution, import and use of Kinder brand products in Brazil. According to the agency, the measure applies to all Ferrero products manufactured in Belgium.
“Although Brazil is not among the countries of destination for the products, Anvisa considered it prudent to publish the preventive measure with the objective of informing society and preventing the product from being consumed or brought from outside the country by individuals or importers”, said the organ.
Ferrero was notified to provide information on imports and control of products in the country. The measure, however, does not affect products produced and marketed nationally.
Last week, cases of salmonella were reported in at least nine European countries, caused by consumption of Kinder-branded products. Belgian authorities closed Ferrero’s factory in Arlon in connection with these outbreaks.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security notified the manufacturer Ferrero do Brasil. Through Senacon (National Consumer Secretariat), the ministry determined that Ferrero do Brasil formalize the recall of Kinder chocolate or provide clarification on the safety of the product.
Agência Brasil has contacted Ferrero do Brasil and has not yet received a response from the company.
Argentina and USA had already collected Kinder chocolate
On April 8, Ferrero had decided to extend the recall of some Kinder brand chocolates to the United States and Argentina on suspicion of salmonella contamination. Only products made at the Arlon factory in Belgium, which is linked to the start of the outbreak in Europe, were recalled.
Can chocolate have salmonella?
The wave of cases in Europe has shown that the hen’s egg is not the only one that can have salmonella. Chocolate eggs can also carry the bacteria, which is one of the main causes of food poisoning.
According to Mariza Landgraf, a researcher at the Food Research Center (FoRC) at USP, the main source of contamination is raw foods, such as undercooked chicken, eggs, as well as fruits, unpasteurized milk and sea—depending on where they were captured.
In the case of chocolate, the bacteria can contaminate the cocoa bean and remain in the subsequent stages of processing until the candy is obtained.
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