The factory of confectionery manufacturer Ferrero in Arel, Belgium, is preparing to resume production following the salmonella scandal. The three-month cleaning work included, among other things, the replacement of large parts of the systems.
Ilario Bulgheroni, manager of the Ferrero plant in Arel, explains: "This is the heart of the plant. That is why it is protected here even more than the rest. (…) All the buckets and 100 meters of the production circuit have been completely replaced."
Hundreds of salmonella cases in Europe have been linked to confectionery made in Arel. About a month ago, Ferrero's business premises were searched as part of investigations by the Belgian public prosecutor's office. The economic damage is not yet foreseeable.
"The crisis fell on our peak sales period, namely Easter. Since this was a global recall, we are still quantifying the losses, I do not have exact figures," said Ferrero company spokeswoman Anne Edwards.
Barry Callebaut was also affected
Salmonella contamination at Ferrero competitor Barry Callebaut also became known last week. As a result, operations in the world's largest chocolate factory in Lebbeke, Belgium, were suspended for the time being.
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