Salmonella Outbreak Tomatoes UK 2024: Cases, Recalls & Safety

If you’ve spotted cherry tomatoes in the supermarket recently and wondered whether they’re safe, you’re not alone. A multi-year Salmonella outbreak linked to small tomatoes from Sicily has been quietly spreading across Europe since 2023, and UK health officials have now confirmed dozens of domestic cases. The good news: you can protect yourself with a few straightforward steps.

Cases Reported: 437 · Countries Affected: 17 · UK Cases (2023–2024): 29 · Strain: Salmonella Strathcona ST2559

What tomatoes are being recalled for Salmonella?

Epidemiological, microbiological, and traceability investigations spanning 2023 and 2024 have traced the outbreak to small tomatoes from Sicily, Italy. The Italian Ministry of Health responded by requiring Local Health Authorities to sample and test ciliegino and datterino cherry tomato varieties sold domestically by the end of 2024.

Whole genome sequencing has confirmed that the same Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 strain has been circulating since 2011, when Denmark first reported a large multi-country outbreak linked to small, elongated datterino tomatoes from Sicily. The strain re-emerged in Denmark in 2020 with 26 cases, again tied to snack tomatoes.

Small tomatoes from Sicily

Investigations in Austria in 2023 and Italy in 2024 both independently confirmed that small tomatoes from Sicily were the vehicle of infection. Patient interviews across nine countries showed that 42 of 64 individuals who reported consuming tomatoes specifically mentioned small or cherry varieties.

Cherry tomatoes linked to outbreak

Suspected cherry tomatoes in the Tuscany and Umbria outbreaks were traced back to three Italian wholesalers and two producers. In Tuscany alone, 248 gastroenteritis cases were identified across 39 schools, with 240 of those affected being children aged 1 to 10.

What are the first signs of Salmonella?

The first signs of Salmonella infection typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and include diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps. Most people recover without treatment within 4 to 7 days, but severe cases may require antibiotics and hospitalisation for dehydration.

Symptoms timeline

Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 72 hours of consuming contaminated food. The illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days, with diarrhoea sometimes persisting longer. In the current outbreak, cases among the 197 patients with available data show females more frequently affected than males.

Common signs in outbreak

UK cases confirmed by the Health Security Agency span ages from under 1 to 76 years old, with 17 females and 12 males. The majority of all outbreak cases have occurred during the summer months between June and October, aligning with peak fresh tomato consumption.

Can salmonella be washed off tomatoes?

Washing does not reliably remove Salmonella from tomatoes. The FDA’s guidance on selecting and serving produce safely notes that surface washing cannot eliminate internalised contamination, and the current outbreak strain has been found inside tomato tissues through microbiological testing.

Washing effectiveness

Salmonella can internalise within tomato fruits, particularly through root uptake from contaminated irrigation water — the exact route now confirmed in Sicily. Once inside the fruit, surface washing provides no meaningful protection.

FDA produce safety

The FDA advises consumers to purchase tomatoes that are not bruised or damaged, and to refrigerate cut tomatoes. However, for the current outbreak, cooking remains the only reliable method to eliminate the pathogen from tomato products.

Does cooking tomatoes remove Salmonella?

Proper cooking at temperatures above 75°C kills Salmonella effectively. Cooking tomato-based dishes such as sauces, soups, or stews eliminates the pathogen. The risk is specifically associated with raw tomato consumption — particularly in salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.

Cooking temperatures

Salmonella is destroyed when food reaches and maintains 75°C for at least 10 minutes. Boiling, simmering, or baking tomatoes until they reach this internal temperature throughout ensures the bacteria are eliminated.

Raw vs cooked risk

The ongoing multi-country outbreak is specifically linked to raw tomato consumption. All confirmed cases with available dietary data involved raw small tomatoes — cherry tomatoes, datterino tomatoes, or unspecified small varieties served uncooked.

How to flush out Salmonella?

Most healthy adults recover from Salmonella infection without specific treatment by staying well hydrated and resting. Medical attention is recommended for severe cases, young children, older adults, and anyone with compromised immune systems, where antibiotics may be prescribed.

Treatment options

Antibiotics such as azithromycin or ciprofloxacin may be used for severe infections or high-risk patients. For uncomplicated cases in healthy individuals, supportive care focusing on fluid and electrolyte replacement is the standard approach.

Diagnosis and recovery

Salmonella infection is diagnosed through stool sample testing. Most people recover fully within a week, though bowel habits may remain irregular for several weeks afterward. During recovery, avoid anti-diarrhoeal medications unless prescribed, as slowing digestion can prolong bacterial shedding.

The ECDC has urged EU member states to remain vigilant and to promptly report any unusual increases in Salmonella Strathcona cases. For now, thorough cooking remains the most reliable protection against an outbreak that has now persisted across four consecutive growing seasons.