EU investigates chocolate-linked salmonella outbreak before Easter

FILE PHOTO: Kinder chocolate eggs are seen on display in a supermarket in Islamabad, Pakistan July 18, 2017. REUTERS/Caren Firouz/File Photo

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Europe's health agency said on Wednesday it was investigating dozens of reported and suspected cases of salmonella linked with eating chocolate in at least nine countries.

Ferrero recalled Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from British and Irish shelves on Monday in what it said was a precautionary move. The Italian confectionary group said on Wednesday that no Kinder products released to the market had tested positive for salmonella.