The financial consequences of contamination of a chocolate plant in Wieze, Belgium cost holding company, Barry Callebaut $77 million.  The problem commenced when a batch of contaminated lecithin was delivered to the Wieze plant in late June 2022.  This resulted in an extensive in-plant dissemination of Salmonella Tennessee.  The contamination was detected on routine examination within a few days and the source of infection was identified resulting in closure of the plant.  Due to rapid detection, no contaminated product entered the supply chain.

Decontamination of the chocolate line extended from July 5th to July 14th with production commencing on August 8th after approval by the Belgium Federal Agency for the safety of the food chain.

The plant is now back to normal operation, although the shutdown had a notable impact on volume and hence, profit with reduced sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions.