The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that more than 150 suspected cases of salmonellosis, a bacterial intestinal disease, had been reported in Europe and the United States. The World Health Organization said in a statement on Wednesday that “so far, 151 cases from 11 countries have been reported in connection with the use of genetically related chocolate products.”Also read – Benefits of Quitting a Rope Workout: 10 Reasons Why You Should Start Jumping Rope Every Day
The WHO added that children and the elderly are at greater risk for serious complications. According to the report, 113 countries across Europe and globally have received Kinder products during periods of risk. Also read – Here’s why you can still contract with Omicron after a thorough vaccination
Kinder chocolates from Italian chocolate and confectionery products company Ferrero are now associated with salmonella poisoning in about 11 countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Also read – Fruits that will help you rejuvenate and beat the heat during the summer | Watch the video
The company sued the U.S. earlier this month over possible salmonella contamination. And voluntarily withdrew some of its Kinder chocolates from the markets of some European and Asian countries.
Children under the age of 10 were the most affected, accounting for about 89 percent of all cases, and available data indicate that nine patients were hospitalized. No casualties were reported.
However, the WHO said that “until full information on the products is available, the WHO assesses the risk of spread in the European region and globally as moderate”.
On 27 March, the UK notified the WHO of a cluster of cases with the monophasic Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) sequence type 34 infection.
The investigation links the epidemic with chocolate produced in Belgium, which is distributed in at least 113 countries.
The global warning was issued on April 10 by the UN body International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) launching a global product recall.
There have been 150 reported cases out of 151 in Europe, while one case has been reported in the US and additional cases are expected from other countries.
Ferrero, which produces Kinder Joy at its plant in Pune, said that according to media reports, India has been left out of the list of countries where its products are recalled.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a common food-borne disease that causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Infections are usually mild and do not require treatment, however, children and the elderly are at higher risk of serious dehydration-related complications.
The genetic sequence of Salmonella bacteria that triggered the food scare indicates that the pathogen S. Typhimurium originated in Belgium.
According to an analysis by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stress is resistant to six types of antibiotics.
The WHO noted that salmonella bacteria matching current human cases of infection were also found in whey tanks last December and January at a factory run by chocolate maker Ferrero in the Belgian city of Arlon.
Salmonella bacteria are widely found in domestic and wild animals, such as poultry, pigs and cattle.
Who said:
Pets are also not immune, and the WHO notes that Salmonella “can pass through the entire food chain to animal food, primary products and households or food-service organizations and institutions.”
(Inputs via IANS)
