Italian Tomatoes Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
Authorities identified a specific source for salmonellosis cases that affected consumers across Germany.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
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German health authorities traced a 2025-2026 outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona, which resulted in 116 confirmed cases, to contaminated tomatoes from Sicily. The investigation determined that irrigation water at an Italian production site served as the primary source of the bacterial contamination.
Why it matters
This outbreak highlights the persistent risks of waterborne pathogens in fresh produce supply chains, which can lead to significant clinical burdens like the 24 hospitalizations reported here. Understanding these transmission routes is essential for identifying potential food safety gaps in imported produce.
Active surveillance identified 116 cases of Salmonella Strathcona in Germany between June 2025 and March 2026. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the strain, while supply chain tracing linked the infections to Sicilian tomatoes, though the total scale of affected distributions is still being assessed.
The players
RKI
The Robert Koch Institute is the central federal agency in Germany responsible for disease control and public health surveillance.
The details
The contamination likely occurred through the use of tainted irrigation water in a Sicilian production environment, which introduced Salmonella Strathcona onto the surface of the tomatoes. Once consumed, the bacteria can lead to salmonellosis, an infection requiring clinical treatment in severe cases. Investigators successfully established the link by cross-referencing patient samples with trace-back data from supermarkets and producers.
Timeline
Between 2011 and 2024, authorities documented 600 Salmonella cases across 17 European countries.
Salmonella Strathcona was detected in irrigation water in Sicily in April 2025.
The outbreak in Germany involved 116 confirmed cases between June 2025 and March 2026.
Since June 2026, authorities have recorded an additional 39 cases.
Health Landscape
This outbreak follows the transmission patterns identified in the 2011-2024 European Salmonella surveillance reporting. It underscores the continued necessity for stringent water quality standards in the international trade of fresh produce.
Individuals who experience symptoms of foodborne illness, such as severe diarrhea or fever, should consult their physician for proper diagnosis and testing. High-risk populations should remain especially vigilant about washing fresh produce thoroughly, though standard cleaning may not eliminate all pathogens.
The takeaway
Salmonella remains a significant foodborne threat, particularly when pathogens infiltrate irrigation water sources during agricultural production. Tracking symptoms and discussing persistent digestive issues with a doctor is a standard precaution following any localized or widespread food safety event.
Further reading
Learn more about identifying and mitigating risks in the produce supply chain in our Organic Food section.
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