Recall: Chocolates sold at BJ’s, some Costcos and another chain might have salmonella
Salmonella in Europe caused a recall of imported Kinder chocolate assortments sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club, certain Costco stores and Big Y supermarket locations.
Here’s what you need to know.
What’s been recalled?
▪ Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment, lot Nos. 48RUP334; 48RUP335; 48RUP 336; and 48RUP337 with a best by date of July 18, 2022, were sold at Costco locations in California’s Bay Area and Northern Nevada as well as BJ’s Wholesale Club locations. This comes in a 14-ounce square box. The lot numbers are on the back panel.
▪ Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats, lot No. 03L 018AR — 306 with a best by date of July 30, 2022, were sold at 14 Big Y supermarkets in Connecticut and Massachusetts. This comes in a 5.3-ounce cardboard basket. The lot number is on the bottom of the basket.
In an updated FDA-posted recall notice, Ferrero U.S.A. also warned that only Kinder products with “EXCL. DIST. FERRERO U.S.A., INC.PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054” on the back of the packaging are authorized for sale in the United States.
“If you have any other Kinder products that do not include this information, the product is not distributed by Ferrero U.S.A. and is not authorized for distribution or sale in the U.S. market,” Ferrero wrote. “Please dispose of it immediately, because the product could be included as part of a recall of certain Kinder products in Europe.”
Why have these Kinder chocolates been recalled?
According to the recall notice, salmonella was found in the facility the chocolates were made. Also, there have been reported cases of salmonella in Europeans who ate chocolates made that that facility.
By the CDC’s count, salmonella strikes 1.35 million Americans each year, hospitalizes about 26,500 and kills 420. Most at risk for the worst effects are senior citizens, children under 5 and those with damaged immune systems. Most people get fever, vomiting, stomachaches and diarrhea that starts around 12 to 72 hours after eating the tainted food and runs for four to seven days.
What should you do if you have these Kinder chocolates?
Reach out to Ferrero either online or at 800-688-3552, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time for a refund. You could also try returning the chocolates to the store where you bought them.
This story was originally published April 11, 2022 at 9:44 AM.
