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More than 800 Salmonella infections have been linked to a recurring outbreak across Europe since 2023, with a recent surge in Italy and neighboring countries. Authorities in Puglia have suspended the use of raw tomatoes in institutional catering following positive tests in produce. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warns that transmission will continue until the root cause of contamination is identified.
More than 800 Salmonella infections have been recorded across Europe and North America in a recurring outbreak linked to contaminated produce, primarily tomatoes from Italy. The latest wave, which peaked between July and September 2026, has sickened over 160 people in ten European countries, prompting health officials to suspend the use of raw tomatoes in institutional catering in parts of Italy. This resurgence underscores the persistent challenge of controlling Salmonella Strathcona transmission despite years of investigation.
The outbreak spans a period from January 2023 to September 2026, affecting Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. While the majority of recent cases had onset dates between July and September 2026, sequencing remains pending for 100 additional cases. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) confirmed that Germany alone recorded 39 cases associated with this specific outbreak cluster since June 2026. In the United States and Canada, 24 and 10 cases respectively were linked to travel to Europe, highlighting the international nature of the exposure.
Investigations point to a common exposure source involving cherry tomatoes. Patient interviews in Germany and Luxembourg revealed that several individuals had consumed cherry tomatoes prior to falling ill. Italian authorities also reported tomato consumption among cases and detected monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Strathcona in cherry tomatoes earlier this month. In response, authorities in the Puglia region ordered a temporary suspension of raw fresh tomatoes in all food preparation centers for institutional catering, including schools, hospitals, and care homes. This action followed the detection of Salmonella in a batch of tomatoes from Caltanissetta.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted that patient counts consistently peak during the summer months. The agency stated that the recurrence of cases suggests ongoing transmission and distribution of contaminated produce both within and beyond Italy. The ECDC emphasized that the risk for new infections remains as long as the seasonal delivery of contaminated produce continues, warning that new outbreaks are likely in future seasons until the root cause is addressed.
Persistent Risk From Contaminated Produce
This outbreak highlights the difficulty of eradicating Salmonella from the agricultural supply chain, particularly when contamination originates at the primary production level. The involvement of multiple countries and the recurrence over three years indicate that current control measures are insufficient. For consumers, the primary risk lies in the consumption of raw produce, specifically tomatoes, which are often eaten without cooking. The suspension of raw tomatoes in institutional settings serves as a critical safeguard for vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to severe salmonellosis. The international spread, with cases in the US and Canada linked to European travel, also raises concerns about the global reach of local food safety failures.
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Three-Year Investigation Into Source
The current wave is part of a longer pattern. In 2025, outbreak investigations in Austria identified small tomatoes traded from Sicily as the source of infections, reflecting similar findings in 2023 and 2024. A significant breakthrough occurred in November 2024 when official sampling at a primary producer in Italy found the outbreak strain in a sample of irrigation water taken from a well. This finding suggested that contamination was occurring at the source, likely through water used in farming rather than during processing or transport. Follow-up investigations in 2025 confirmed the outbreak strain in cherry tomatoes from Italy, reinforcing the link between agricultural water sources and consumer illness. The previous 2025-2026 season involved 116 people, indicating a smaller but related cluster before the current surge.
“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.”
— European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Pending Sequencing And Root Cause
While the link to tomatoes is strong, sequencing is pending for 100 additional cases, meaning the full genetic profile of the current wave is not yet complete. It remains unclear why the contamination persists in specific irrigation systems despite previous identifications. Additionally, the exact mechanism by which the bacteria survive and proliferate in the tomato supply chain from farm to table is still under investigation. Authorities have not yet announced a permanent ban on specific tomato varieties or brands, leaving consumers to rely on general guidance to wash produce thoroughly and cook it where possible.
Monitoring Seasonal Peaks And Controls
Health authorities will continue to monitor case counts through the autumn, although the seasonal peak has passed. The focus will shift to evaluating the effectiveness of the temporary suspensions in Puglia and similar measures in other regions. Investigators are expected to deepen their examination of irrigation water sources and agricultural practices in the affected Italian regions. The ECDC and national agencies will likely issue updated guidelines for food handlers and consumers as more sequencing data becomes available. Future seasons will depend on the implementation of stricter control measures at the primary production level to prevent recurrence.
Key Questions
What specific type of Salmonella is causing this outbreak?
The primary strain identified is Salmonella Strathcona. Authorities have also detected monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium in some cherry tomato samples.
Is it safe to eat tomatoes right now?
Authorities in affected regions have suspended raw tomatoes in institutional settings. For the general public, health officials recommend cooking tomatoes thoroughly and washing them well. Avoid raw consumption if you are in a high-risk group or have recently traveled to affected areas.
How did the bacteria get into the tomatoes?
Investigations in 2024 found the outbreak strain in irrigation water at a primary producer in Italy. This suggests contamination occurs at the farm level, likely through water used to grow the crops.
Are there cases outside of Europe?
Yes. Since 2023, there have been 24 cases in the United States and 10 in Canada. Many of these individuals had a travel history to Europe prior to becoming ill.
Source: rss
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