Egg-stra careful: UAE takes Kinder Surprise eggs off supermarket shelves after salmonella reports

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) ordered specific batches of Kinder Surprise Uovo Maxi Chocolate eggs to be withdrawn from supermarkets on Friday, according to local media. 

The decision follows several salmonella infections in Europe, including 63 in the UK, traced back to the chocolate-maker Ferrero's factory in Belgium. 

Only two batches have been linked to the compromised factory in the UAE. However, the Emirati ministry is expected to enforce “tighter control measures” on other Ferrero products moving forward, reported Gulf News. 

“[This] is based on reports and technical information regarding the registration of salmonella infections in several European countries that were linked to the consumption of Kinder chocolate productions,” said the MoCCAE. 

The ministry has issued an order listing the two questionable batches and their expiry dates to local food authorities. Retail outlets are expected to destroy the eggs or return them to the country of origin. 

The ministry has also urged citizens to conduct their own research or contact authorities if they think they purchased compromised Kinder eggs. 

Ferrero has recalled selected batches of Kinder Surprise eggs because of the possible presence of salmonella.

If you have bought the below product, do not eat it. Instead, please contact Ferrero to obtain a full refund.

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— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) April 4, 2022

Italian confectionery group Ferrero recalled its Kinder chocolate eggs in seven European countries earlier this week. 

The chocolate-makers said none of its other products released for sale had tested positive for salmonella, but that it takes the matter “extremely seriously”. 

No deaths have been reported among the 63 people - mostly aged five or under - who fell ill in the UK outbreak.