Sicily cocktail tomatoes linked to Salmonella outbreak

Health authorities have issued a warning regarding cocktail tomatoes originating from the Sicilian regions of Ragusa and Caltanissetta due to an outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona. Consumers are advised to heat these tomatoes thoroughly before consumption, as washing them may not provide full protection against contamination.

Since July 2026, over 160 confirmed cases have been recorded across ten European countries. In Austria, 29 cases have been reported since late July, with 21 microbiologically confirmed. The outbreak is linked to a recurring strain that was detected in organic cherry tomatoes and irrigation water in Sicily in late 2025.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) indicates that the risk of infection remains as long as contaminated products are on the market. Since January 2023, more than 800 confirmed outbreak cases have been registered in over 17 countries.