Health authorities have officially declared the end of the recent lethal salmonella outbreak linked to tomatoes that claimed the lives of 29 individuals in the UK. Despite this announcement, officials urge caution when handling food.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) identified cherry tomatoes from Sicily, Italy, as the source of the outbreak that spanned from January 2023 to September 2025, resulting in 289 confirmed cases worldwide. The UK recorded 29 cases, the US eight, and Canada five.
Italy experienced the highest impact with 78 cases, followed by Germany with 68, Austria with 59, and France with 244 cases. Even though the outbreak has been declared over by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the risk of infection remains, particularly during the months of June to October when seasonal produce is prevalent.
Several countries reported over 30 additional cases this year, primarily between June and August, with Italy reporting the most cases. The ongoing occurrence of cases in 2025, including those with no travel history, indicates continuous transmission and distribution of contaminated produce beyond Italy.
The Food Standards Agency collaborated with the UK Health Security Agency to investigate the salmonella outbreak. Although the outbreak has ceased, shoppers are advised to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption to ensure they are clean.
Salmonella can be contracted through the consumption of contaminated food items like undercooked poultry, meat, eggs, or unwashed raw fruits and vegetables. Rehydration therapy is the primary treatment method to replace lost fluids, and in severe cases or with infants, hospitalization for intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.
It is crucial for individuals to wash their fruits and vegetables meticulously to reduce the risk of contamination.
