Kinder Joy: Popular Kids Snack Under Investigation

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) is set to probe samples of popular children’s chocolate snack Kinder Joy available in the Kenyan market.

The action comes after products from the Kinder Joy manufacturer, Italian firm Ferrero, were pulled off the shelves in a number of European countries  due to health concerns. Ferrero also owns other popular brands including Nutella and Tic Tac.

The firm’s Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs were linked to a Salmonella outbreak in European markets including the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the Netherlands causing authorities to swing into action.

Ferrero recalled batches of some of its products. It is issuing full refunds to customers who had already purchased them.

Symptoms of Salmonella, a bacterial disease that infects the gut, include diarrhea, stomach cramps and sometimes fever and vomiting.

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According to BBC, at least 63 individuals have so far been reported ill after consuming the products.

Kebs MD Bernard Njiraini confirmed to Business Daily that Ferrero products in Kenya would be tested and a decision subsequently made. Kinder Joy snacks are widely distributed by supermarkets among other retailers in Kenya.

Worry in Europe over the matter has been heightened by the upcoming Easter celebrations in which eggs – which Ferrero has built a major children’s brand around – are a big part of the culture.

The UK’s Food Safety Agency highlighted Kinder’s popularity with children as it issued a warning.

“We know that these particular products are popular with young children, especially as Easter approaches, so we would urge parents and guardians of children to check if any products already in their home are affected by this recall,” Tina Potter, FSA Head of Incidents, said in a statemen

“Ferrero has recalled selected batches of Kinder Surprise eggs because of the possible presence of salmonella. If you have bought the below product, do not eat it. Instead, please contact Ferrero to obtain a full refund,” stated Tina Potter, FSA Head of Incidents.

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