Nearly 300 people across Europe and the UK have been struck down in a major outbreak of potentially deadly food poisoning linked to contaminated tomatoes.
Almost 30 cases have been recorded in Britain, with the UK Health Security Agency warning that the rare strains involved are particularly severe.Â
At least 14 patients across the outbreak have required hospital treatment.
Health officials have confirmed 289 infections since January last year, caused by two uncommon strains of the bug, known as Salmonella Blockley and Salmonella Strathcona.
The contamination has been traced to cherry tomatoes grown in Sicily, Italy, following testing carried out in 2023 and 2024 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Italy has reported the highest number of patients, with 78, followed by Germany, Austria and France. Eight cases have also been confirmed in the United States, with a further five in Canada.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said the threat has not passed, warning the risk will remain as long as contaminated seasonal produce continues to be delivered to shops.
A spokesman said: ‘New outbreaks are likely to occur in future seasons until the root cause of the contamination has been identified and control measures implemented.’
The Italian Ministry of Health has implemented a sampling and testing plan to detect the bacteria in varieties of cherry tomatoes sold in ItalyÂ
Salmonella can trigger diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever, and in the most severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications.
Italian health chiefs have already rolled out an urgent sampling and testing programme on two varieties of cherry tomatoes sold domestically, requiring local authorities to complete at least one round of checks by the end of 2024.
Experts say tomatoes may be especially vulnerable because of their texture, which allows bacteria to cling to the surface.Â
The danger is heightened as they are often eaten raw rather than cooked, which would normally kill off harmful bugs.
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that infects the gut of farm animals and is usually associated with meat, poultry and eggs.Â
While most cases clear within days, it can sometimes prove fatal.
Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours of infection. Those most at risk of severe illness include children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system.Â
In serious cases, patients may need hospital care because of the risk of dehydration.
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that infects the gut of farm animals—and typically affects meat, eggs and poultryÂ
It comes as UKHSA data released earlier this year found salmonella cases have surged in the first three months of 2025, up on 2023 and 2024.Â
According to the ECDC and the EFSA, nine European countries have reported 29 cases of Salmonella Strathcona since January 2025.
Tomato consumption was reported by four people who were sickened by the bug, with Italy reporting the most infections with 11 people sick.
Experts say that isolates genetically close to the bacteria causing the outbreak which has swept through Europe and the US have been detected since 2011 – indicating a recurrent public health concern.
The ECDC added that it is an ongoing seasonal outbreak, with most cases occurring in the summer months when foodborne illnesses are more common, particularly between June and October.
It added: ‘The recurrence of cases in 2025, including those without travel history, suggests ongoing transmission and distribution of contaminated produce beyond Italy. The presence of cases in multiple countries underscores the need for continued surveillance and cross-sector coordinated response.’
According to the ECDC, the role of the environment should also be investigated to identify the point of entry at which contamination with Salmonella Strathcona is occurring.
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Urgent warning as tomatoes blamed for major Salmonella food poisoning outbreak – 29 UK cases confirmed