Team MD | Last Updated: July 2, 2026
A multinational Salmonella outbreak linked to instant noodle products has infected more than 100 people across the United Kingdom and 13 other European countries, prompting an extensive food safety investigation and product recalls.
European health authorities have confirmed 106 cases connected to the outbreak, which has been traced to the rare Salmonella Stanley strain. The majority of infections have been reported among children and young adults, although people of all ages have been affected.
Investigators believe contaminated instant noodles are the most likely source after laboratory testing identified the outbreak strain in samples collected from noodle products distributed in Europe.
Countries Reporting Cases
The outbreak has been confirmed in the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- Austria
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Sweden
Health officials say the cross-border nature of the outbreak highlights how widely food products can be distributed throughout Europe before contamination is detected.
Instant Noodles Identified During Investigation
Food safety experts began investigating after several countries noticed genetically related Salmonella infections occurring over a similar period.
Using laboratory testing and whole-genome sequencing, investigators linked patients to the same bacterial strain. Further testing detected Salmonella Stanley in chicken-flavoured and hot chicken-flavoured instant noodle products, making them the leading focus of the investigation.
Authorities continue to examine manufacturing records and distribution chains to determine where contamination first occurred.
Manufacturer Under Investigation
Officials have linked the affected products to a manufacturer based in Ukraine.
As a precaution, distributors have withdrawn the affected batches from the market while investigators continue tracing shipments across Europe. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional recalls if further contaminated products are identified.
Why Children Are Among the Most Affected
Health experts say many confirmed cases involve children and teenagers, likely because instant noodles are a popular and inexpensive meal choice for younger consumers.
Although most Salmonella infections resolve without medical treatment, vulnerable groups—including young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems—are at greater risk of developing severe illness.
Several patients have required hospital treatment during the outbreak.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella bacteria typically cause illness within 6 to 72 hours after contaminated food is consumed.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
Most people recover within four to seven days, but severe dehydration or bloodstream infections can occur in some cases.
Advice From Health Authorities
Public health officials are urging consumers to check food recall notices and avoid eating any products identified as part of the investigation.
People who develop severe diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, high fever, bloody stools or signs of dehydration should seek medical attention promptly.
Consumers are also reminded to practice good food hygiene, including washing hands before preparing meals and following cooking instructions provided on packaged foods.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
European food safety agencies continue to monitor new infections while tracing the supply chain of the affected noodle products.
Officials say the investigation is still active, and further updates—including additional recalls or revised case numbers—may be released as more laboratory results become available.
For now, authorities stress that the outbreak appears to be linked to specific batches of instant noodles rather than all noodle products available on the market.