Another 50 cases have been added to a multi-country Salmonella outbreak in Europe and the United States, bringing the total number of people affected to more than 300.
Between January 2023 and September 2025, 289 confirmed cases of Salmonella Strathcona have been reported across 16 European countries. The United Kingdom has recorded 29 cases, the United States eight, and Canada five. Italy has the highest number with 78 patients, followed by Germany with 68, Austria with 59, and France with 24.
An earlier assessment from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recorded 232 cases in 16 European countries. The five Canadian cases were linked to travel in Europe in 2023 and 2024.
Epidemiological, microbiological, and traceability investigations in 2023 and 2024 identified cherry tomatoes from Sicily, Italy, as the vehicle of infection. In September and October 2024, outbreaks occurred in Tuscany and Umbria, with more than 300 cases connected to primary schools and childcare facilities, though only some of these were confirmed as Salmonella Strathcona.
The Italian Ministry of Health introduced a sampling and testing plan for ciliegino and datterino cherry tomatoes sold in Italy. Local Health Authorities were instructed to carry out at least one sampling by the end of 2024.
From January to August 2025, nine European countries reported 29 confirmed cases of Salmonella Strathcona. Italy recorded 11 of these infections, with four patients reporting tomato consumption. Cases were also identified in Ireland, Norway, Denmark, France, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
Genetically related isolates to the outbreak strain have been detected since 2011, indicating a recurring public health issue. The ECDC described the situation as an ongoing seasonal outbreak, with most cases occurring between June and October.
"The recurrence of cases in 2025, including those without travel history, suggests ongoing transmission and distribution of contaminated produce beyond Italy. The presence of cases in multiple countries underscores the need for continued surveillance and cross-sector coordinated response," the ECDC reported.
"The risk for new infections remains as long as the seasonal delivery of contaminated produce continues. New outbreaks are likely to occur in future seasons until the root cause of the contamination has been identified and control measures implemented. The role of the environment should also be investigated to identify the point of entry at which contamination with Salmonella Strathcona is occurring."
Source: Food Safety News