European health officials have issued a warning about a Salmonella outbreak linked to small tomatoes from Sicily, Italy, with 29 cases recorded in the UK since January 2023. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirmed that the tomatoes are the 'vehicle of infection' for the Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 outbreak.
A total of 289 cases have been reported across 22 countries between January 2023 and August 2025. Italy has the highest number of cases at 78, followed by Germany with 68 and Austria with 59. Other affected countries include Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, the US, and Canada.
The ECDC noted that the outbreak is seasonal, with most cases occurring between June and October. In 2025, nine countries reported 29 cases between June and September 4, though no new cases have been detected in the UK this year. The agency warned that new infections are likely as long as contaminated produce continues to be distributed.
The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) advised consumers to wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, and fever.
