Ferrero chocolate bar contains potentially ‘dangerous’ chemical, food watchdog claims

The food giant Ferrero has been urged to pull one of its most famous chocolate bars off the shelves after food experts claimed it could contain "a possible carcinogen".

A German food watchdog has claimed to have identified the presence of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons in Kinder products, which are made by the Italian firm.

These chemicals are used in food packaging and thought to have cancer-causing effects.

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Foodwatch claimed to have detected the mineral oils in Kinder Riegel chocolate bars and Ferrero Nougat Minis.

"There is no acceptable levels of mineral oils in food for consumption,"

"You can't see it, you can't taste it, but it's in there.

"We recommend not purchasing these products because the levels are simply unacceptable for consumption."

The Association of the German Confectionary Agency urged consumers to continue buying Kinder treats and said there was no reason to be alarmed.

"The chemicals are found in the packaging," said Dr. Torben Erbrath.

"Not just in the wrappers, but in the individual packaging, in the transportation packaging. It's a result of recycled paper being used."

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In 2011, the NHS said it was not clear whether mineral oils posed a danger to health.

"Much further research is needed before it is known what level of mineral oil could pose a potential health risk," it wrote.

"To perform an adequate health assessment would require information on the exact amount of these compounds absorbed, stored and eliminated from the human body, and data in this area is currently insufficient to judge the impact of mineral oil contamination."

In a statement, Ferrero said traces of mineral oil “exist nearly everywhere in the environment”.

They believe the ingredient could have been transferred into the chocolate via recycled packaging, printing inks or transportation.

The statement continued: “Ferrero would like to reassure that all Ferrero products are created with the utmost quality and attention to product safety always in accordance with all local strict food law legislations.”