How the Outbreak Started
The illnesses are connected to meals shipped during the week of July 28, 2025. Contaminated food items included Four Cheese Tortellini with Pesto and Grilled Chicken, Low-Carb Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables, Black Garlic & Ranch Chicken Tenders, and Sliced Top Sirloin with Roasted Peanut Sauce. Each meal was linked to specific lot codes currently under investigation.
While no deaths have been reported, the CDC has warned that the true number of cases may be higher since it often takes weeks to confirm infections in outbreak investigations.
Confirmed cases span at least 10 US states, including California, Georgia, Missouri, Minnesota, and Texas. Officials are working with Metabolic Meals to notify customers who may have received contaminated shipments. The company has assured full cooperation with investigators.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacterial infection commonly spread through contaminated food or water. Outbreaks occur when two or more people become sick from the same source. The infection, called salmonellosis, can range from mild stomach discomfort to life-threatening illness, especially among children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immunity.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Common signs include:
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and stomach pain
- High fever above 102°F (39°C)
- Nausea and vomiting
In vulnerable groups, the infection can cause severe dehydration, requiring hospitalization.
Treatment and Recovery
Most cases resolve naturally within 4–7 days. Doctors advise rest, hydration, and a light diet of bland foods such as rice, toast, or applesauce. Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases, though some Salmonella strains resist common medications.
Seek immediate medical care if diarrhea lasts more than three days, fever rises above 102°F, stools contain blood, or dehydration symptoms such as dizziness and dark urine appear.
Prevention and Safety Tips
Authorities recommend the following steps to minimize risk:
- Check refrigerators for Metabolic Meals deliveries from late July and discard affected items.
- Disinfect all surfaces and utensils that came into contact with these meals using hot, soapy water.
- Follow safe food-handling practices: wash hands before and after cooking, and clean cutting boards thoroughly.
- Cook meats to safe internal temperatures—165°F for poultry and 145°F for other meats.
- Stay updated on CDC alerts and state health advisories.