Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Stanley ST2045 infections linked to consumption of flavoured noodle products

Flavoured noodle products from a specific brand are considered the most likely vehicle of infection in this multi-country outbreak, with cases reporting having consumed these products in Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania. The microbiological evidence includes the 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 the same producer in Ukraine as the source. The detection of additional Salmonella serovars may suggest the possibility of multiple contamination sources. Control measures have included withdrawals and recalls in several countries, which significantly reduce the likelihood of new S. Stanley ST2045 infections related to this outbreak. However, a root cause and point(s) of (cross)contamination have not yet been established, and further investigations are needed. Moreover, given that these products have a long shelf life, they may still pose a risk, as they can be stored in household kitchens for extended periods, meaning that further cases could still occur.

Public health authorities are encouraged to interview any new cases, sequence isolates and share information in EpiPulse. Food safety authorities are encouraged to continue investigating to verify the identified products as the vehicles of infection and to identify the source(s) of (cross)contamination, whether associated with single or multiple ingredients.

Consumers are advised to strictly follow the preparation instructions indicated on labels (if products are not ready-to-eat), to ensure proper food hygiene during preparation, and to cook chicken products thoroughly.