The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) targets to complete the Kinder product sample testing process in Indonesia to determine the possibility of Salmonella bacterial contamination by the third week of April 2022.

“We have tested the samples from many locations since April 8. We will report the result in the third week of April,” Head of BPOM Penny K. Lukito noted during a virtual press conference from the Shangri La Hotel, here, Thursday.

Lukito noted that the BPOM had temporarily suspended the circulation of Kinder products with several variants in Indonesia, including Kinder Joy, Kinder Joy for Boys, and Kinder Joy for Girls.

The BPOM has made it mandatory for Kinder products’ suppliers holding a distribution permit to contact all distributors across Indonesia to withdraw the products independently under the supervision of BPOM in all cities and districts.

Lukito remarked that Salmonella (non-typhoid) bacteria are generally found in water and contaminate raw materials for production.

“It could be found in the raw material, during the unhygienic washing process, or by hand. They are very risky,” she added.

Salmonella reported by health authorities in the United Kingdom can trigger mild symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, in those who consume it.

BPOM’s decision to temporarily stop the circulation of Kinder products was taken in line with the precautionary principle to protect consumers following the same efforts made by the UK’s Food Standard Agency (FSA) and several countries in Europe, including Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Products recalled abroad are Kinder Surprise chocolate products in single packs of 20 grams and triple packs of 20 grams, each with an expiry date of October 7, 2022.

The UK has also expanded the scope of product recalls by adding several variants, specifically Kinder Surprise in 100 grams, Kinder Mini Eggs in 75 grams, Kinder Egg Hunt Kit in 150 grams, and Kinder Schokobons in 200 grams, with an expiry date from April 20 to August 21, 2022.

Lukito ensured that Kinder production facilities in Indonesia were different from those in Europe since the product was manufactured by Ferrero India PVP, LTD.

“However, please be careful with Kinder products from the online market, as no one is responsible for the ingredients,” she cautioned.

Source: Antara News