Salmonella Outbreak in Estonia Linked to Instant Noodles; Children Affected
Estonia reports six confirmed cases of salmonella linked to Ukrainian instant noodles 'Reeva', primarily affecting children. This marks the first time such noodles have been identified as a source of infection.
Europe is seeing a rise in salmonella cases, and now Estonia has been affected. Health authorities believe the source to be instant noodles 'Reeva' produced in Ukraine. Across 11 European countries, around 90 people have fallen ill after consuming these noodles.
In Estonia, six cases of Salmonella Stanley have been confirmed, with six more samples awaiting results. According to infectious disease specialist Juta Varjas, this strain has never been detected in Estonia before. Most patients are children, with an average age of ten. This is also the first time instant noodles have been identified as a transmission source.
The Estonian Agricultural and Food Board (PTA) learned about the contaminated noodles from the Health Board, not from the European rapid alert system. Tests on three products from two batches found pathogens in two of them. However, no official recall has been issued pending laboratory confirmation. PTA's Silvia Laiv-Mumma noted that the manufacturer is outside the EU and will be informed through supply chain partners.
Salmonella bacteria are killed at 70–75°C, so properly prepared noodles are safe. However, investigations show that patients ate the noodles dry as a snack. Retail representative Jelena Litvinovića stated that recalls are rare but not unusual.
