A cautionary alert has been issued following a recent Salmonella outbreak affecting 29 individuals in the United Kingdom. Investigations conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) identified cherry tomatoes sourced from Sicily, Italy as the origin of the contamination. The outbreak has also impacted other European countries including Germany, Austria, and France. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has emphasized the ongoing risk of further infections as contaminated seasonal produce continues to be distributed.
According to the latest report released by the ECDC this month, a total of 29 cases of the Salmonella Strathcona outbreak have been reported in the UK since 2023. The report describes the outbreak as a “cross-border” issue that is still active and provides a breakdown of cases across various EU nations.
The report highlights the recurrent nature of the outbreak, with 289 confirmed cases reported between January 2023 and August 2025. Most cases have occurred during the summer months, particularly between June and October. The report lists the total number of cases in EU countries as follows: Austria (59), Croatia (3), Czechia (11), Denmark (10), Estonia (1), Germany (68), Finland (3), France (24), Ireland (3), Italy (78), Luxembourg (2), the Netherlands (4), Norway (4), Slovakia (5), Slovenia (8), Sweden (6).
Epidemiological, microbiological, and traceability investigations have linked small tomatoes from Sicily as the source of infection for the outbreak in 2023-2024. The recurrence of cases in 2025, even among individuals without travel history, suggests ongoing transmission and distribution of contaminated produce beyond Italy.
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No new cases of the outbreak have been reported in the UK in 2025. The Food Standards Agency advises consumers to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption to ensure cleanliness and reduce the risk of contamination. Regular washing under running water or in a bowl of fresh water is recommended.
Continued surveillance and coordinated responses are crucial in addressing the cross-border implications of the outbreak. The risk of new infections persists as long as contaminated produce is circulated. Ongoing investigations are necessary to identify the root cause of contamination and implement control measures to prevent future outbreaks. Collaboration between human and food sectors is recommended to verify the source of infection and assess environmental factors contributing to contamination with S. Strathcona.
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