Urgent warning as tomatoes linked to deadly food poisoning outbreak

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. 

At least 14 patients across the outbreak have required hospital treatment.

Health officials have confirmed 289 infections since January last year, caused by an uncommon strain of the bug, known as 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.’

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. 

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. 

Gauri Godbole, deputy director and gastrointestinal infections specialist at the UKHSA explained: ‘Salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can be rarely spread from person-to-person.’  

While most cases clear within days, it can sometimes prove fatal especially in vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems.

In serious cases, patients may need hospital care because of the risk of dehydration. 

‘Anyone concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance,’ Mr Godbole advised.

‘There are simple steps to stop the spread of salmonella: wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing and handling food, cook food thoroughly, and if you have symptoms avoid handling food for others where possible,’ he added.  

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. 

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.

As with all cases of salmonella, UKHSA will continue to investigate any further cases and report to ECDC.