Kinder Chocolate Factory in Belgium to Shut Down

The Belgian Kinder chocolate factory was ordered to close after being associated with dozens of cases of Salmonella. The Belgian Food Safety Authority has also ordered a recall of all Kinder products manufactured at the factory in Arlon, which is owned by Ferrero.

Suspected cases of Salmonella associated with Kinder chocolate have been reported from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Belgium. The Belgian food safety Authority, AFSCA, said the factory was closed after Ferrero was unable to provide complete information for the investigation.

AFSCA said the investigation is still underway and the factory will only reopen if Ferrero can provide the necessary guarantees to comply with food safety regulations.

On Thursday, Ferrero recalled some of the Kinder chocolates from  US stores regarding concerns about possible Salmonella contamination. A number of Kinder Surprise chocolate egg products were also recalled in the UK earlier this week. 

Salmonella can cause bacteria and serious infections, especially in children, the elderly, and other people with the weak immune system.