European food safety and health officials have traced a multi-country outbreak of salmonella infections to flavoured instant noodle products, with 106 confirmed cases reported across 14 European nations. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) jointly identified the products as the most probable source, citing evidence linking cases to a single brand.
The outbreak has primarily affected children and young adults, with 49 hospitalisations recorded. Cases have been reported in Austria, the United Kingdom, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. The agencies noted that control measures, including product withdrawals and recalls in several countries, “significantly reduce the likelihood” of new infections.
Epidemiological Findings and Brand Identification
Epidemiological investigations revealed that cases in Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania were linked to consumption of flavoured noodle products from the same brand. While authorities did not name the vendor, they confirmed that cases involving Salmonella Stanley and other strains were connected to a producer in Ukraine.
Reeva Foods, in a statement last week, acknowledged an “alleged detection” of Salmonella Stanley in a specific batch of its instant noodles distributed in the Baltic market. The products were manufactured by Euro Food Service, a Ukrainian producer of Reeva products. The company stated it had launched an internal investigation, withdrawn the affected batches, and implemented additional measures including independent laboratory testing, regulatory audits, and environmental monitoring. “The safety of our consumers is our top priority,” Reeva said, adding that it is cooperating with authorities.
Salmonellosis symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, typically lasting several days. The outbreak underscores ongoing challenges in food safety across Europe’s interconnected supply chains, where products from one country can rapidly affect consumers across the continent.
This incident follows other recent health alerts in Europe, such as Belgium’s health alert during a record heatwave and concerns about tropical nights as a hidden health danger. The European health system continues to grapple with diverse threats, from foodborne illnesses to climate-related risks.
Authorities urge consumers who have purchased flavoured instant noodles from affected batches to return them to the point of sale and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. The EFSA and ECDC are monitoring the situation closely, with further updates expected as investigations continue.
