Suspected salmonella at Ferrero: why the bacteria are so dangerous

Created: 04/12/2022, 08:00

By: Judith Brown

Ferrero is recalling products due to suspected salmonella.

Infection with the bacteria can be particularly dangerous for children.

Arlon - Confectionery maker Ferrero last week recalled several of its "kinder" products.

The reason: some batches of sweets could be contaminated with salmonella.

Salmonella outbreaks have occurred after consumption in several European countries.

Among other things, this concerns goods such as the popular surprise egg "kinder Surprise" or "kinder Schoko-Bons", which were produced in the Belgian plant in Arlon.

Production has since stopped there.

But what exactly is salmonella, how does it affect the body and why can it become dangerous?

Suspected salmonella at Ferrero: why the bacteria are so dangerous

Intestinal infections are caused, among other things, by intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E.coli) or salmonella.

The former have recently been spotted on Nestlé frozen pizzas*, while the latter may currently be tainting some Ferrero confectionery.

Salmonella: what does it mean?

According to the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, salmonella are bacteria whose metabolic products can trigger acute intestinal inflammation, so-called salmonellosis, in humans.

It is one of the most common bacterial diseases in humans, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI)*.

Most often, salmonella enters the human digestive tract via food.

For example, raw eggs, egg products such as mayonnaise or raw meat are more frequently contaminated with the bacteria*.

Salmonella multiply rapidly, especially on unrefrigerated food.

They can also be transmitted from person to person via a smear infection.

The main risk is poor hygiene.

It can happen that the intestinal bacteria are carried on the hands of the sick person via small traces of stool residue and the pathogens get from the hand into the mouth.

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Salmonella: Which symptoms are typical after an infection?

Typical signs of a salmonella infection are nausea, abdominal pain*, vomiting, diarrhea* and fever.

Although symptoms can last for several days, recovery usually occurs within a few days without the need for medical or medical attention.

In the event of an infection, however, you should ensure that you drink enough fluids.

Diarrhea causes the body to lose a lot of water and this can lead to an imbalance.

Typical symptoms of a salmonella infection are abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or vomiting.

(Iconic image) © AndreyPopov/IMAGO

Salmonella: how dangerous is an infection?

Although salmonellosis is often harmless, in some cases it can be life-threatening.

Small children or the elderly in particular can be affected*.

Due to the diarrhea, dehydration or a general infection of the body can occur.

Therefore, you should consult a doctor immediately in these cases.

Ferrero has since expanded its recall to other products.

In addition, new details have become public: the company is said to have known about the salmonella case for a long time*, as reported by RUHR24.de.

*

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.