World’s Largest Chocolate Factory, Barry Callebaut Resumes Operation After Salmonella Issues
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! After a month and a half of closure, the world’s largest chocolate factory, Barry Callebaut resumes operation after salmonella issues. The temporary shutdown resulted in ceasing supplies of Nestlé, Hershey’s, and Mondelez chocolates.
Barry Callebaut Resumes Chocolate Manufacture After Salmonella Scare
For four consecutive weeks, the world’s largest chocolate factory remained closed because of an ingredient used in making chocolates. They found that lecithin, which gives food its smooth texture, is the culprit that carried the salmonella bacteria.
However, no consumers reported getting sick due to eating chocolates supplied by Barry Callebaut’s chocolate factory. It supplies chocolates to Nestlé, Hershey’s, and Unilever, but not directly to consumers.
“We remain cautious because this operation is unprecedented, the process of cleaning and disinfection takes a lot of time,” said Barry Callebaut Korneel Warlop.
Three of the huge factory’s 24 production lines started operations, completing the first delivery in six weeks. Belgian health authorities gave permission to the giant chocolate factory to resume operation for a three-month test period.
The Wieze plant is the largest chocolate factory in the world. It provides the reputation of being made in Belgium. Consumers love Belgian chocolate, and chocolates made in Belgium earn their reputation as top-quality chocolates.
The occurrence came three months after discovering salmonella bacteria at a Ferrero factory in Arlon, Belgium. This is also where they also make Kinder chocolates.
Wage Hike Set for UK Chocolate Workers
Barry Callebaut’s chocolate factory workers in Banbury, Oxfordshire will receive a 10% salary increase. Following successful negotiations with the Unite union, about 200 workers will gain from the one-year pay deal related to wages, bonuses, and pensions. Those who will benefit include technicians and production operatives.
“When employers can afford to put forward a decent pay rise, we are determined to ensure that they do. Once again, Unite’s total focus on boosting jobs, pay and conditions has delivered for our members. This deal could not have been achieved without the efforts of our representatives at Barry Callebaut and the support of Unite members,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
The Barry Callebaut confectionery factory employs about 600 people. They are the main unit in the company’s total output, amounting to 2.2 million tonnes in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, produced over 60 sites globally.
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