The world's biggest chocolate plant which is run by the company named Barry Callebaut in Belgium has reportedly stopped its production after Salmonella bacteria was discovered in its product. Following the discovery of Salmonella, production was stopped at Barry Callebaut's Wieze plant in Belgium. As per Barry Callebaut spokesperson, Korneel Warlop, all the products manufactured at the World's biggest chocolate plant have been blocked after the test. Notably, the Salmonella affected Belgium chocolate factory produces liquid chocolate in wholesale batches for 73 clients making confectionaries.
Now, those wondering about Salmonella or wondering what is Salmonella that has forced the world's biggest chocolate producer plat to shut down can read further:
What is Salmonella?
As per mayoclinic.org, Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through stool (feces). Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food.
Now those wondering how it can contaminate the chocolate can read further:
As per thecoversation.com, when the beans reach a chocolate factory, they are roasted. The roasting kills salmonella bacteria on the beans. However, if salmonella is present in the raw beans it can potentially be a source of contamination. Therefore, it is vital that raw beans are well segregated from roast beans to prevent cross-contamination.
Salmonella and world's biggest chocolate plant
Coming back to the Salmonella-affected World's biggest chocolate plant, the spokesperson further revealed that most of the products discovered to be contaminated are still on the site. The products which have been shipped to other companies are being communicated by Barry Callebaut and they have been asked not to use them. Furthermore, no case has come to the fore of any chocolate consumers infected by the salmonella, which causes salmonellosis. It is only dangerous in the most extreme cases otherwise it leads to diarrhoea and fever.