A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Stanley ST2045 has infected 106 people across 13 EU/EEA countries and the United Kingdom between November 2025 and June 2026, with flavoured noodle products from a specific brand considered the most likely source, according to a joint rapid outbreak assessment published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on 1 July 2026. The outbreak has primarily affected children and young adults, resulting in at least 49 hospitalisations. Cases reporting consumption of these noodle products were identified in Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania. Microbiological evidence includes detection of the outbreak strain in chicken- and hot-chicken noodle products of the same brand in Germany and Lithuania. Traceability investigations linked the products to a single producer in Ukraine. The detection of additional Salmonella serovars suggests possible multiple contamination sources. Control measures, including withdrawals and recalls in several countries, have significantly reduced the likelihood of new infections, but the root cause and points of contamination have not yet been established. Given the products' long shelf life, they may still pose a risk if stored in household kitchens. Public health authorities are urged to interview new cases, sequence isolates, and share information via EpiPulse. Food safety authorities are encouraged to continue investigations to verify the vehicle of infection and identify contamination sources. Consumers are advised to follow preparation instructions, maintain proper food hygiene, and cook chicken products thoroughly.
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