The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified tomatoes as a source of a Salmonella outbreak that infected over 100 people in 2024. According to a new report, two variants of the bacteria—Blockley and Strathcona—caused 81 and 24 infections respectively, with at least 14 hospitalisations.
Salmonella is typically associated with uncooked meat and eggs, but the UKHSA found that tomatoes were among several food vehicles responsible for national outbreaks. Other contaminated foods included red meat, eggs, and an unidentified vector, which together contributed to hundreds more infections from strains such as Enteritidis, Anatum, and Typhimurium.
The report noted that confirmed Salmonella laboratory reports rose by 17.1% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 10,388 cases. Early 2025 data showed a 3.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024, indicating continued prevalence.
Salmonella infection symptoms can last up to a week and include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Rare long-term complications may include reactive arthritis and eye irritation.
