Flavored instant noodles have been identified as the likely source of a recent salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 106 people across 14 European countries, according to a report published on July 1 by the European Food Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Cases have been reported in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Poland, with many infections affecting children and young adults—and nearly 50 people requiring hospital treatment.
Investigations linked multiple infections to noodle products from the same brand, not specified by the authorities, with contaminated batches traced to a producer in Ukraine. The affected products have been withdrawn, while companies involved say they are cooperating with authorities and reinforcing safety measures.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. While most people recover within a week, the illness can be more severe for vulnerable groups, including young children and older adults.
Indeed, food poisoning caused by salmonella is one of the most common foodborne illnesses. In the US alone, several products were recalled across multiple states due to salmonella contamination in the spring of 2026, from health supplements to croutons.
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