Recently, dozens of cases of salmonella infection were reported in Europe, and suspicions soon turned to Belgian-made Kinder products, which had to be taken off the market by the manufacturer Ferrero.

In light of the events, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) banned, on Thursday (04/14), the marketing, distribution, importation and use of the brand's chocolates. The measure occurred even though Brazil does not sell the products indicated. "The Agency considered it prudent to publish the preventive measure in order to inform society and to avoid the product being consumed or brought from outside the country by individuals or importers,stated.

In a statement, Ferrero, which owns the brand, said that "the Kinder brand reiterates that the Resolution-RE no. 1,233 The Kinder brand informs that its chocolates and Easter eggs sold by Ferrero do Brasil in the country are safe for consumption.

Can chocolate have salmonella?

Salmonella is closely related to chicken eggs and raw chicken But the truth is that this microorganism can also contaminate other foods, such as chocolate itself, fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk, and even seafood (depending on how and where it was caught).

In the case of chocolate, salmonella is usually present in cocoa bean It does not multiply due to the small amount of water present in the food. However, it can remain in place and, even in small numbers, is capable of causing disease.

One of the ways to eliminate salmonella is by cooking the food at high temperatures. In the case of dessert, however, this method is ineffective because of its high concentration of fats, which end up protecting the unwanted bugs.

Cases of salmonella in chocolates are considered rare. Moreover, Anvisa itself confirmed that, in recent years, there have been no episodes in the country that indicate contamination of the food.

Read also: Salmonella: Tips to avoid the bacteria

What is Samonella?

Unlike poliovirus, which causes polio Salmonella can cause two types of illness, depending on the serotype: non typhoid salmonellosis and typhoid fever.

In general, the symptoms triggered by the bacteria include fever, diarrhea, chills, abdominal or muscle pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headaches. In addition, in typhoid fever: internal bleeding, irritation with small reddish spots, skin irritation and weight loss .

Despite the possible seriousness of the cases, in general, salmonella infection does not require hospitalization or other medical interventions. hydration In severe cases, electrolyte replacement (to provide electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea) and intravenous rehydration are indicated.

Antibiotic treatment is not recommended for mild or moderate cases in healthy individuals, but can be used in risk groups such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. vaccine for typhoid fever, indicated only in endemic areas, that is, where the disease is more common.

Finally, washing your hands before eating or cooking, sanitizing food properly, cooking meats at appropriate temperatures, and store eggs in the refrigerator are some measures that help to prevent the issue.