Home Delivery Meal Salmonella Outbreak: What to Do If You’re Affected

The convenience of home delivery meals has surged in recent years, with millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. These services promise healthy, easy-to-prepare meals delivered right to your doorstep. However, this convenience can come with risks. Recently, a multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to a home delivery meal service has raised concerns about food safety. According to the CDC, as of September 5, 2025, 16 people across 10 states have been infected, with 7 hospitalizations. This outbreak highlights the importance of understanding the risks associated with home delivery meals and knowing what to do if you’re affected.

Understanding Salmonella and Its Risks

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans. The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the United States every year. Salmonella lives in the intestines of animals and humans and is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water.

Common Symptoms of Salmonella Infection:

Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Fever (over 102°F)
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache

Symptoms usually appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4 to 7 days. While most people recover without treatment, some, especially young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe illness requiring hospitalization.

What to Do If You Suspect Salmonella Poisoning from a Home Delivery Meal

If you think you have a Salmonella infection from a home delivery meal, take these steps:

Seek Medical Attention: If you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, bloody diarrhea, prolonged vomiting, or dehydration, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
Report the Illness: Contact your local health department to report the suspected Salmonella infection. Reporting your illness helps public health officials identify and control outbreaks.
Document Your Meal: If you still have packaging or leftover food from the suspected meal, keep it. This information can assist investigators in tracing the source of the contamination. Note the meal name, lot code, and best-by date.
Cooperate with Investigators: Be prepared to answer questions from public health officials about your illness and the food you ate. Your cooperation can help them determine the source of the outbreak and prevent further infections.
Contact a Food Safety Lawyer: If you’ve been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection and suspect it’s linked to a home delivery meal, consult a food safety lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

Legal Options for Victims of Salmonella Outbreaks

If you’ve been affected by a Salmonella outbreak linked to home delivery meals, you may have legal recourse. Potential legal actions include:

Product Liability Claims: You can file a claim against the meal delivery service or food manufacturer, alleging that a defective product (contaminated food) caused your illness.
Negligence Claims: You can claim that the meal delivery service or food manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in handling and preparing food, leading to contamination.
Breach of Warranty: You can argue that the food did not meet the promised standards of safety and wholesomeness.

Compensation for Damages:

If you win a Salmonella lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Including hospitalization, medication, and doctor’s visits.
Lost Income: If the illness caused you to miss work.
Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional distress you endured.
Emotional Distress: Compensation may also cover pain and suffering endured due to the Salmonella infection. This includes physical discomfort, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.

Preventing Salmonella Infection from Home Delivery Meals

While food safety is primarily the responsibility of meal delivery services and food manufacturers, consumers can take steps to minimize their risk of Salmonella infection:

Check for Recalls: Stay informed about food recalls by regularly checking the FDA and CDC websites.
Follow Safe Food Handling Practices: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables. Cook food to the proper internal temperature.
Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of delivery or preparation.
Read Labels Carefully: Check the “best by” dates and storage instructions on meal packaging.
Choose Reputable Services: Research meal delivery services and choose those with a strong reputation for food safety.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for symptoms of Salmonella infection after consuming a home delivery meal.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Salmonella cases depend on microbiologic and statistical evidence. A Salmonella lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence, navigate the legal process, and fight for fair compensation. They can also help you understand your rights and options.

Recent Salmonella Outbreaks

Recent Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to various food sources, including eggs, cucumbers, and onions. In August 2025, nearly 100 people across 14 states fell ill after consuming recalled eggs linked to a Salmonella outbreak. In 2024, a Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers sickened 551 people. These outbreaks highlight the ongoing risk of Salmonella contamination in the food supply.

Conclusion

Home delivery meals offer convenience, but they also carry the risk of foodborne illness. By understanding the risks of Salmonella, knowing what to do if you’re affected, and taking steps to prevent infection, you can protect yourself and your family. If you suspect you have a Salmonella infection from a home delivery meal, seek medical attention, report the illness, and consult a food safety lawyer to explore your legal options.