# Salmonella contamination in Italian cherry tomatoes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/salmonella-contamination-in-italian-cherry-tomatoes > Updated: 2026-10-16T14:05:24.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 4. The Italian Ministry of Health issued a recall for G&V Ortaggi cherry tomatoes, specifically lot number 210 distributed in 6.5 kg crates, due to the presence of Salmonella spp. The company is located in Gela, Caltanissetta. Subsequent investigations by Italian inspectors identified two specific strains of Salmonella—typhimurium and strathcona—in the Sicilian-produced tomatoes. The contamination is suspected to have originated from irrigation water used on Sicilian agricultural lands. The outbreak has resulted in over 130 reported infections, primarily in the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo, with some children requiring hospitalization. The European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notified neighboring countries, including Croatia and Slovenia. In Croatia, the State Inspectorate confirmed that several hospitality businesses in the Istria and Primorje regions purchased the affected tomatoes from a Metro store in Trieste, Italy. While no cases directly linked to these shipments have been reported in Croatia or Slovenia, health authorities continue to monitor the situation. In response to the recall, authorities in the Piana di Gela region are implementing stricter safety protocols. New measures discussed in Caltanissetta include mandatory testing of irrigation water from wells and laboratory analysis of every production lot before sale. Producers will also be required to immediately notify health authorities of any positive results. Investigators are also working to verify a potential link between the product and illnesses reported among children in Valtrompia. Recent updates indicate the outbreak has expanded, with over 160 confirmed cases recorded across ten European countries since July 2026. In Austria, 29 cases have been reported since late July, with 21 microbiologically confirmed. Health authorities have issued warnings regarding cocktail tomatoes from the Sicilian regions of Ragusa and Caltanissetta, advising consumers to heat the products thoroughly as washing may not ensure safety. ## Claims - Two strains of salmonella, Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Strathcona, were found in Italian cherry tomatoes. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Over 130 cases of salmonella infection have been recorded in Italy, primarily in the Brescia and Bergamo provinces. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Several hospitality businesses in Istria and Primorje purchased the contaminated cherry tomatoes from a Metro store in Trieste, Italy. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The prosecutor's office in Brescia has opened an investigation into potential bodily harm caused by negligence. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Investigators suspect that contaminated water used for irrigation may be the source of the salmonella. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The contaminated cherry tomatoes belong to lot number L2852003641/21E005701. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Italian authorities began withdrawing the contaminated cherry tomatoes from the market on September 23. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Sicily cocktail tomatoes linked to Salmonella outbreak Health authorities warn against eating raw cocktail tomatoes from Ragusa and Caltanissetta, Sicily, due to a Salmonella Strathcona outbreak affecting multiple European countries. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-cocktail-tomatoes-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak ### 2026-10-14: Gela implements stricter tomato safety protocols after salmonella recall Gela authorities are tightening cherry tomato safety protocols, including mandatory water and lot testing, following a salmonella recall of G&V Ortaggi products. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gela-implements-stricter-tomato-safety-protocols-after-salmonella-recall ### 2026-10-12: Italian cherry tomatoes linked to salmonella outbreak in Europe Over 130 people in Italy have been infected by salmonella in cherry tomatoes from Sicily. Contaminated batches were also distributed to Croatia and Slovenia, prompting food safety inspections. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/salmonella-contamination-found-in-italian-cherry-tomatoes ### 2026-09-24: G&V Ortaggi cherry tomatoes recalled due to Salmonella The Italian Ministry of Health has recalled G&V Ortaggi cherry tomatoes (lot 210) due to Salmonella contamination. A separate recall affects ‘Oggi Cucino Bio’ meat tortellini due to undeclared allergens. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gv-ortaggi-cherry-tomatoes-recalled-due-to-salmonella --- Cite as: Salmonella contamination in Italian cherry tomatoes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/salmonella-contamination-in-italian-cherry-tomatoes