As of 2/7, 106 confirmed infections have been reported across 14 countries, with the majority of affected individuals being children and young adults, AP reported. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated that the first cases emerged last November. At least 49 individuals required hospitalization.
"Flavored instant noodle products are the most probable source of this ongoing multi-country outbreak. Evidence indicates a link between the cases and products from the same brand", the two agencies stated.
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While not naming a specific distributor, authorities indicated that all cases linked to the Salmonella Stanley strain are connected to a manufacturer in Ukraine.
A week prior, Reeva Foods announced a voluntary recall of specific instant noodle batches following the suspected detection of the bacteria in its products. Euro Food Service, Reeva's contract manufacturer in Ukraine, was directly responsible for producing these batches.
A Reeva representative affirmed that consumer safety is their top priority. The company is collaborating closely with authorities, conducting independent tests, and tightening environmental monitoring to address the issue thoroughly.
The list of countries reporting patients includes: Austria, UK, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.
In Germany and Lithuania, experts identified the pathogenic strain in chicken and spicy chicken noodle samples. European authorities are continuing in-depth investigations to clarify the outbreak's full scope.
Salmonella bacteria cause typical symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, severe vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Most healthy adults recover within one week, but the bacteria poses a serious threat to young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
