A severe food poisoning outbreak affecting 289 individuals throughout Europe has prompted fresh health warnings, with British authorities confirming 29 domestic cases.

The contamination, traced to cherry tomatoes originating from Sicily, has spread across 16 European nations since early 2023.

Health officials report an additional 50 infections recently, raising concerns about ongoing risks from seasonal produce deliveries.

The outbreak involves two uncommon bacterial variants, Salmonella Blockley and Salmonella Strathcona, which the UK Health Security Agency characterises as especially serious.

Italy has recorded the highest number of patients at 78, whilst Germany, Austria and France have also reported significant infections.

Testing conducted by the European Food Safety Authority during 2023 and 2024 identified cherry tomatoes from Sicily as the infection source.

At least 14 individuals required hospital treatment during 2024, with the bacteria causing severe diarrhoea in affected patients.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control cautioned that infection risks persist whilst contaminated seasonal produce remains in circulation.

The agency stated: "New outbreaks are likely to occur in future seasons until the root cause of the contamination has been identified and control measures implemented."

Symptoms of Salmonella include abdominal pain, loose stools, and fever

The NHS states: "These symptoms usually clear up within three to seven days, but a small number of people take weeks to recover fully. Blood poisoning, abscesses, and joint pains are rarer complications."