Tomatoes have been linked to recent spike in salmonella cases

Health

UK Tomato Scare Leaves Over 100 People Ill as Rare Salmonella Strains Trigger Hospitalisations

Published on July 16, 2025

Tomatoes are under serious scrutiny after being linked to a recent outbreak of rare salmonella strains that left more than 100 people unwell across the UK, with at least 14 needing hospital treatment. The illnesses weren’t isolated to one area, making the situation even more concerning for health officials trying to track the source.

Following a thorough investigation, experts discovered that two unusual strains of the salmonella bug — Blockley and Strathcona — were responsible. Both are rarely seen in Europe, which raised red flags for scientists at the UK Health Security Agency.

The Blockley strain is typically found in East Asia and North America and has only made limited appearances in European countries before now. The other strain, Strathcona, is even rarer — first identified in Canada back in 1988 and hardly seen since, reported the Express.

In the wake of last year’s outbreak, UKHSA revealed that 81 people had tested positive for Salmonella Blockley, all with links to tomatoes, reported the Daily Mail. Out of those cases, 14 individuals became so unwell they required hospital care, which shows just how serious these infections can be. On top of that, 24 people were found to have been infected with Salmonella Strathcona, and once again, tomatoes were pinpointed as the source.

While salmonella is typically associated with raw meat, eggs and poultry, this outbreak proves that fruit and veg aren’t off the hook. Tomatoes in particular may be more vulnerable to contamination because of their soft texture and the way they’re handled through the supply chain.

Most people who catch salmonella suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever, and usually recover within a few days. But in more severe cases — especially in the very young, elderly or those with weakened immune systems — the infection can lead to serious complications and, in rare situations, be fatal.

It’s not the only worrying trend. UKHSA also confirmed this week that the number of salmonella cases overall has risen in the first quarter of 2025, climbing higher than the same period in both 2023 and 2024. This recent tomato-linked outbreak is now being looked at as a major contributor to that increase.

On average, around 33 people die from food-related salmonella infections in the UK each year, according to official estimates. But while that figure is already sobering, norovirus — often referred to as the winter vomiting bug — is believed to be even deadlier, with around 56 deaths annually linked to food-borne cases.

What makes this salmonella spike particularly unsettling is how quietly it has spread. With infections popping up in various regions, not just a single location or supplier, it’s harder for officials to pinpoint how the contamination occurred and how to prevent a repeat.

Experts are urging people to be extra cautious when preparing and consuming tomatoes, particularly if they’re being used raw in salads or sandwiches. Washing them thoroughly and ensuring clean surfaces during food prep can make a difference, but with rare strains like these, many are wondering whether a more robust investigation into food supply practices is needed.

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