The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has put Italian candy maker Ferrero, which makes Kinder Joy chocolate, on notice over safety concerns after European markets pulled the product from supermarket shelves due to health concerns.
European authorities halted the popular chocolate product, which is popular among children, on a precautionary recall due to salmonella outbreak fears.
In an interview with Business Daily, KEBS managing director Bernard Njiraini stated that all products sold in Kenya will be tested for safety before any further action is taken.
“We shall take samples for the test to ascertain they are okay,” he said.
The Italian candy manufacturer has also announced a recall on some chocolate products in Germany as a precaution.
The precautionary recall is being issued due to the possibility that the outbreak, which has primarily affected young children, began in the United Kingdom. The number of salmonella cases in the United Kingdom has risen to 63, with the median age of those who have become ill being under the age of five.
To avoid a hazard, the UK food safety agency (FSA) advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing Kinder Joy products.
“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 are already in their home are affected by this recall.”
Ferrero is a multinational chocolate and confectionery company based in Italy. It is the world’s second largest chocolate and confectionery company.