Salmonella Outbreak in Europe Linked to Instant Noodle Products Sickens Over 100

A multinational salmonella outbreak in Europe has been linked to instant noodle products, causing 106 confirmed infections across 14 countries, with at least 49 hospitalizations, mostly among children and teenagers. The cases have been reported from November through early July in countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden. The European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have launched an investigation into the outbreak.

Initial evidence of contamination was found in packaging of chicken-flavored and spicy chicken instant noodles sampled from retail chains in Germany and Lithuania. Patients reported consuming these products shortly before falling ill. Reeva Foods, the company marketing the noodles, announced an internal investigation after detecting the presence of the Salmonella Stanley strain in certain batches. The suspected products originated from a production line at the Euro Food Service factory in Ukraine.

Reeva Foods stated that production on the affected line was immediately halted, suspect batches were removed from shelves, and samples were sent for independent laboratory testing. The company also reported strengthening quality control procedures and cooperating fully with authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases.