The United States has now joined the list of countries where Ferrero is recalling Kinder products due to possible Salmonella risk.

The company has issued recalls in at least 11 countries after a Salmonella Typhimurium contamination at its plant in Arlon, Belgium.

Ferrero also has suspended operations at the Belgian plant and all products that were manufactured there will be recalled. Retailers also have been asked to remove the products from their shelves, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

As of April 8, 142 cases have been reported in eight European countries, mainly among children under 10 years old, the ECDC said. The first case was identified in the United Kingdom on Jan. 7. Since Feb. 17, cases have been identified in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. 

The recall also has been extended to include the United States, Canada and Australia.

As a result, Ferrero’s entire production of Kinder Surprise, Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g, and Kinder Schokobons made in Arlon is being recalled.

While there are no reports of illness in the United States to date, Ferrero said it is voluntarily recalling the products in the U.S. out of an abundance of caution because they were manufactured at the same Belgian facility.

In the United States, the recall affects various lots of Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats Baskets. More information, including the specific lot codes and UPCS, is available on the U.S. FDA website.

Ferrero acknowledged there were internal inefficiencies, creating delays in retrieving and sharing information in a timely manner. This impacted the speed and effectiveness of the investigations. The plant will only reopen once certified by the authorities. 

Only Kinder products manufactured in Arlon are impacted by the recall. The Arlon plant accounts for around 7 percent of total volumes of Kinder products manufactured globally on a yearly basis. Local solutions will be implemented to assist consumers with the recall.

“Ferrero deeply regrets this situation. We take food safety extremely seriously and every step we have taken has been guided by our commitment to consumer care,” the company said. “We will continue to work cooperatively with the Food and Drug Administration to address this matter."