Multinational Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Flavored Noodles, Spanning 14 European Countries

GENEVA – European food safety and health authorities have reported a coordinated outbreak of Salmonella infections connected to flavored‑noodle products, with 106 confirmed cases across 14 countries. The majority of patients are children and young adults, and at least 49 required hospital treatment, according to separate statements issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The outbreak was first identified in November. Investigators say flavored‑noodle products are the most likely source of the ongoing multi‑country incident, with microbiological evidence linking the cases to items from the same brand.

While the specific vendor has not been disclosed, the cases are associated with the Salmonella Stanley strain and have been traced to a Ukrainian manufacturer, Euro Food Service, which produces for Reeva Foods. Reeva Foods reported an “alleged detection” of Salmonella Stanley in a particular batch of its instant noodles distributed in the Baltic market.

The company has since withdrawn the implicated batches, launched an internal inquiry, and instituted additional safety measures including independent laboratory testing, regulatory audits, environmental monitoring, and preventive actions. “The safety of our consumers is our top priority,” Reeva said, adding that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities.

Reported cases have been logged in Austria, Britain, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. Microbiological analysis has identified the outbreak strain in chicken‑flavored and hot‑chicken‑flavored noodle products in Germany and Lithuania, prompting further investigation.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal cramps. Most healthy individuals recover within a week, though young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.

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