The Belgian public prosecutor is investigating a salmonella outbreak at the confectionery giant Ferrero against the company.

The investigation is linked to a factory in Arlon that Ferrero had to close by order of the authorities last week, the Belga news agency and other media reported on Monday, citing the public prosecutor's office in the Belgian province of Luxembourg.

Previously, hundreds of salmonella cases across Europe had been linked to sweets produced there.

On Friday, the Afsca supervisory authority temporarily revoked Ferrero's production license for the Arlon plant until all food safety rules and requirements are met.

In addition, all "kids" chocolate products made in Arlon have been withdrawn.

Ferrero previously announced that salmonella had been detected at the plant as early as December 15, 2021.

Salmonella was found in a sieve at the outlet of two raw material tanks.

The products made from it were then held back.

The filter has been replaced and controls on unfinished and finished products have been increased.