Chocolate producer Barry Callebaut has shut down production at the factory in Wieze in East Flanders – the largest chocolate factory in the world – after the discovery of salmonella in a production lot. The company announced this on Thursday.
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Bron: BELGIAN
Today at 07:40–
All chocolate products produced in Wieze after 25 June were blocked. The factory, where both liquid and solid chocolate is made, has been shut down. At the moment, according to spokesperson Korneel Warlop, there are no indications that the chocolate has reached the consumer. “The vast majority of the products are still with us. The rest is in our customers’ department stores,” it sounds. Chocolate is sent from Wieze to the processors, so not directly to the consumer. This may be confirmed later on Thursday.
On Monday 27 June, Barry Callebaut discovered a salmonella-positive production lot, manufactured in Wieze. Robust food safety programs ensured that lecithin could be quickly identified as a source of contamination. Barry Callebaut himself informed the federal food safety agency (FAVV) about the incident and as a precautionary measure shut down all chocolate production lines in Wieze. All products made since the test were blocked.
Chocolate production in Wieze will remain suspended until further notice. As a precaution, the company has contacted all customers and asked to block all potentially shipped products.
(Read more below the photo)
© Pol De Wilde – Corelio
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Barry Callebaut will take the time to trace the main cause of the contamination, and will keep the FASFC informed during that process. “When that is successfully completed, the production lines will be cleaned and disinfected before the production process resumes.” The company cannot say how long production will be halted. The FASFC will also have to give the green light before the restart.
The company expects additional information in the course of Thursday, spokesman Korneel Warlop said.
1,200 people work in Wieze, 600 of whom work in the factory. They will also be there on Thursday. They are preparing to completely clean the site, it sounds.
In April, chocolate company Ferrero had to close its chocolate factory in Arlon after a salmonella contamination. The factory was only allowed to restart under certain conditions in June.
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