Europe - Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Italian Tomatoes

There has been an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella linked to tomatoes from Sicily. "Between 1 January 2023 and 30 August 2025, 289 confirmed cases of Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 have been reported in 19 EU/EEA countries and three countries outside the EU/EEA (the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada)."  However, this specific strain appears to have been an issue since 2011.

This seems incredible that an outbreak of this magnitude continues over three growing seasons.  I know many see the outbreaks occurring in the US and think there are issues with our food supply, but it is not better in Europe as many think it is.  In fact, issues like this in Europe would receive far more press and regulatory action in the US.

ECDC
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Communicable
Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona

• Between 1 January 2023 and 30 August 2025, 289 confirmed cases of Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 have been reported in 19 EU/EEA countries and three countries outside the EU/EEA (the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada).
• Isolates genetically closely related to the outbreak strain have been detected since 2011, indicating a recurring public health concern.
• Epidemiological, microbiological, and traceability investigations in 2023 and 2024 identified small tomatoes from the Sicily region of Italy as the vehicle of infection.
• The risk for new infections remains if seasonal deliveries of contaminated produce continue. In 2025, several countries have reported more than 30 additional cases, mainly between June and August, with Italy reporting the highest number. ECDC is liaising with FWD-Net and EFSA to monitor and coordinate response efforts

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10678-salmonella-tomato-outbreak-sickens-hundreds-in-22-countries
Salmonella Tomato Outbreak Sickens Hundreds in 22 Countries
By Food Safety Magazine Editorial Team

A foodborne illness outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona linked to tomatoes has sickened more than 300 people in 19 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries, the UK, the U.S., and Canada. Cases of illness were confirmed between January 1, 2023 and August 30, 2025.

Epidemiological, microbiological, and traceability investigations in 2023 and 2024 identified small tomatoes from the Sicily, Italy as the vehicle of infection.

According to the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC), whole genome sequencing (WGS) has revealed close genetic relatedness among the outbreak strain and Salmonella isolates that have been detected since 2011, indicating a recurring, seasonal public health concern. New outbreaks are likely to occur in future seasons until the root cause of the contamination has been identified and control measures are implemented.

Specifically, 289 cases of S. Strathcona ST2559 have been confirmed thus far, with sequencing still pending for 23 additional cases.

The greatest number of cases were reported in Italy (78) followed by Germany (68) and Austria (59). In the North American continent, eight cases were reported in the U.S. and five in Canada. Of travel related cases, Italy was the most commonly reported destination.

Most cases have occurred in the summer months (between June and October) in all years. The recurrence of cases in 2025, including those without travel history, suggests ongoing transmission and distribution of contaminated produce beyond Italy.

Interestingly, three isolates from Italy tested positive for lactose fermentation, an unusual trait for Salmonella, which could have an impact on identifying Salmonella using traditional selective media. Therefore, it is possible that the true number of cases are underestimated.

ECDC, in collaboration with the European Food- and Waterborne Diseases and Zoonoses Network (FWD-Net) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), are continuing to monitor the outbreak and coordinate response efforts. Further investigations are planned in some affected countries, including WGS analysis.