21/07/2006

Chocolate blamed for salmonella outbreak

Contaminated Cadbury's chocolate was the most likely cause of a salmonella outbreak according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Approximately 37 of the 56 cases reported between March and July may be linked to the product.

The group presented its findings to the Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak Control Team (OCT).

In a statement, the OCT said: "After carefully considering all the available evidence, the OCT concluded that consumption of the products made by Cadbury Schweppes was the most credible explanation for the outbreak of the S. Montevideo."

Cadbury's insisted the company's products were safe when they ordered the recall of chocolate across seven product lines last month.

In a statement Cadbury's said: "We're sorry to hear that people have been unwell. We've already announced that we have changed our protocol because we understood that the consumers' desire for no risk at all is paramount. Any product showing any traces of salmonella will be destroyed."

(CD)

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