The HSE South East is urging the public not to consume certain recalled Kinder products which have been linked to a large salmonella outbreak.
Since late January, 15 cases of salmonella linked to this outbreak have been identified in Ireland, the most recent of whom were unwell in mid-March.
It's advising that parents and carers of young children in particular should make sure to check for and dispose of these recalled Kinder products which they may have previously bought and stored at home.
Dr. Ellen Cosgrave, Specialist Registrar with Public Health HSE South East said
As Easter approaches it is especially important to do a thorough check to make sure these recalled Kinder products are not tucked away at home. If you have bought these affected Kinder products do not eat them and do not gift them to others as Easter presents as they may be linked to Salmonella.
European wide outbreak
European public health officials have linked an extensive outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium to certain Kinder products produced since June 2021.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) and Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) are working with international authorities to investigate this outbreak which has mainly affected children under 10 years across Ireland, the UK and numerous other European countries.
The majority of those who became unwell reported consuming certain Kinder products (manufactured by Ferrero) in the days before their symptoms began.
Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella infection can cause diarrhoea (which can sometimes be bloody), fever, headache and abdominal cramps. These symptoms can arise between six and 72 hours after eating contaminated food.
Although most individuals infected will experience only mild symptoms, occasionally more severe symptoms may require hospital admission. Severe illness is more likely in infants, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems.
Dr Paul McKeown, Specialist in Public Health Medicine at the HSE-HPSC, said: “Although there has been a speedy recall of these products, we may see a number of further cases of illness associated with this outbreak. However, the likelihood of any individual child becoming sick as a result of eating this product is extremely low. Only a very small percentage of children who have eaten this product over the last few weeks has developed salmonella infection."
“If your child develops more worrying symptoms such as a lot of diarrhoea, diarrhoea with blood in it, a lot of vomiting, a high temperature or a nasty headache, you should seek medical advice from your GP. It is important to remember that the majority of children who develop vomiting and diarrhoea are unlikely to have salmonella infection, and are more likely to have a simple viral tummy upset, which can be treated simply with paracetamol and fluids by mouth.”
The investigation of this outbreak is ongoing and you can find further information on FSAI website.
More here on the products that have been recalled.
