Italian health authorities have taken emergency precautions after multiple Salmonella outbreaks were associated with the consumption of fresh tomatoes.
The Puglia region has ordered the temporary suspension of raw fresh tomatoes from school cafeterias, hospitals, care homes and other facilities serving vulnerable people.
ANSA and Rai News report that the decision followed a September 30 meeting of a national task force investigating outbreaks in Puglia, Lombardy, Lazio and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Contaminated Tomato Batch Found
Health investigations have focused particularly on raw cherry tomatoes.
According to ANSA, laboratory testing identified Salmonella contamination in a batch of tomatoes originating from Caltanissetta in Sicily.
Rai News reports that epidemiological investigations have linked recent outbreaks to fresh tomatoes, particularly raw cherry tomatoes. Authorities are continuing to trace the supply chain to determine the full extent of the problem.
The measure in Puglia is precautionary and does not amount to a nationwide ban on tomatoes.
Schools and Hospitals Take Action
The restrictions apply to nurseries, primary schools, hospitals, nursing homes, care facilities and collective catering services for vulnerable people.
Raw tomatoes can temporarily be replaced with cooked vegetables.
La Repubblica reports that authorities issued the measure with immediate effect while investigators work to identify potentially affected batches and trace the origin of the infections.
In Bari, officials stressed that no cases linked to the alert have been identified in the city's schools.
ANSA reports that Bari nevertheless implemented the suspension as a precaution and will replace tomatoes with other foods until health authorities issue new instructions.
Cases Reported Across Four Regions
The concern extends beyond Puglia.
The national investigation has examined Salmonella outbreaks in Lombardy, Lazio and Friuli Venezia Giulia as well.
Rai News previously reported that an outbreak in Valtrompia, Lombardy, affected around 120 people, with contaminated cherry tomatoes investigated as a possible source. Two children remained hospitalized when that report was published on September 29.
Authorities have identified Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 among the strains involved in the broader investigation.
Should People Stop Eating Tomatoes?
Italian authorities have not told the general population to stop eating all tomatoes.
The current measure specifically concerns raw fresh tomatoes served in certain collective catering settings in Puglia.
Health authorities are using the precautionary principle while they trace the food supply chain and obtain more definitive information.
The restrictions will remain in place until regional health authorities formally decide they can be lifted.
The investigation is continuing, meaning further information about affected products, regions or batches could emerge.
