Scientists issue urgent warning over poison tomatoes

A warning has been issued over tomatoes, as the fruit is reportedly to blame for food poisoning outbreaks across Europe. According to experts, cherry tomatoes have caused outbreaks of Salmonella in several countries for decades, including in England.

Research, led by a team at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), found 643 recorded outbreaks across 17 countries between 2011 and 2024. They said in the journal Eurosurveillance that most of the cases occurred between 2023 and 2024. However, the true number of infections is likely "substantially higher."

As reported by the Daily Mail, the researchers said the infections came from a common source, specifically small tomatoes from Sicily. They added it was "likely tomatoes may have been the vehicle in most if not all the years".

The researchers warned that simply washing the tomatoes before consumption may not protect against Salmonella Strathcona. The illness can cause painful stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and headaches.

The team said in the journal: "Stringent control measures at the source are needed to stop the contamination and prevent future cases." Salmonella can be deadly in vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed nearly 30 cases of Salmonella in Britain as part of the latest outbreak. According to the ECDC, most cases occur in the summer months, particularly between June and October.

They said: "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."

Due to their texture, bacteria is able to easily cling to the surface of tomatoes. Experts say this becomes more dangerous as tomatoes are usually eaten raw rather than cooked.

Gauri Godbole, deputy director and gastrointestinal infections specialist at the UKHSA, said last month: "Salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can be rarely spread from person-to-person. Anyone concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance.

"There are simple steps to stop the spread of salmonella: wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing and handling food, cook food thoroughly, and if you have symptoms, avoid handling food for others where possible."