Ferrero recalls Kinder Surprise eggs after salmonella outbreak

Some 63 people in the UK, mostly children under the age of five, have become infected with salmonella in an outbreak linked to Kinder Surprise eggs.

Chocolate firm Ferrero is recalling some batches of the eggs as a precaution while investigations continue into the link, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.

"This is in connection with a potential link to a salmonella outbreak. A number of these cases have been young children," the FSA said.

More cases have reportedly been recorded in Europe, including Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. The eggs are made in Belgium.

Salmonella, or food poisoning, can cause sickness, diarrhoea and fever, with symptoms usually start within a few days (or hours) after eating the food that caused the infection.

While most cases resolve in a few days, symptoms can be severe and lead to hospital admission, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.

Investigations led by the UK Health Security Agency (and its counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) found a link between reported cases of salmonella poisoning across the UK and the Kinder eggs.

The products affected are the 20g eggs or the three packs of eggs, with a best before date between July 11 and October 7.

As a precautionary measure, Ferrero has recalled the products and people are being advised not to eat them.

The FSA said the eggs were all manufactured at the same factory. Other Ferrero products are not thought to be affected.

In a statement, Ferrero said: "The company takes food safety extremely seriously and we sincerely apologise for this matter."