Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has released an emergency circular recalling 100 gm units of Kinder Surprise Uovo Maxi Chocolate from the market.
The move comes in light of emerging reports suggesting that consumption of Kinder chocolate products may have caused the outbreak of salmonella in several European countries.
MOCCAE has listed two batches (L004L03 & L005L03-AD) which are believed to be related to the incidents in Europe. Both batches of Chocolates, originating from Belgium have an expiry date of 1 October 2022.
Local food authorities are expected to promptly remove the affected products from the stores and either destroy or return the products to the Country of Origin – Belgium as required based on circumstances.
The notification aligns with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s strategy to ensure the safety of inbound and traded food products in the UAE, as per international best practices to boost consumer confidence.
According to the National Rapid Alert System for Food, only two batches of Kinder Surprise Uovo Maxi Chocolate 100 gm sourced from a factory in Belgium are affected. There are a wide range of Kinder products which are manufactured in 8 factories and sold in the UAE.
Yet, MOCCAE is expected to enforce tighter control measures on other products from Ferrero, the manufacturer of Kinder, that are traded in the UAE. The System is run by MOCCAE in coordination with local food safety entities, including Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and municipal authorities in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Ferrero and Food Control Authorities in Belgium are reportedly investigating the incident to update the list of affected products and countries.
The incident is a first-of-its-kind for Ferrero which exports its products to more than 160 nations across the globe.