Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Home Delivery Meals: What to Do

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Home Delivery Meals: What to Do

Hook: Did you know that a recent Salmonella outbreak has been linked to home delivery meals, leading to hospitalizations and raising concerns about food safety? Understanding the risks and knowing what to do is crucial to protect yourself and your family.

What is Salmonella and How Does It Spread?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause a common foodborne illness called salmonellosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year. Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection.

Salmonella can be found in a variety of foods, including:

  • Chicken, turkey, beef, and pork
  • Eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Processed foods like nut butter and frozen meals

The bacteria can spread through:

  • Contaminated food or water
  • Contact with infected animals or people
  • Improper food handling

Recent Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Home Delivery Meals

In September 2025, the CDC announced a multistate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to home delivery meals from Metabolic Meals. As of September 5, 2025, 16 cases had been reported across 10 states, resulting in seven hospitalizations. The affected meals were delivered during the week of July 28, 2025.

Which states were affected by the outbreak?

The 10 states with reported cases were Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Which meals were recalled?

The following Metabolic Meals products were recalled:

  • Four Cheese Tortellini with Pesto Sauce and Grilled Chicken (Lot Code: 25199; Best By: 08/07/2025)
  • Low Carb Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables (Lot Code: 25202; Best By: 08/05/2025)
  • Black Garlic & Ranch Chicken Tenders with Roasted Vegetables (Lot Code: 25205; Best By: 08/08/2025)
  • Sliced Top Sirloin with Roasted Peanut Sauce and Summer Vegetables (Lot Code: 25203; Best By: 08/06/2025)
  • Additional meal lot codes: 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, and 25205

What Are the Symptoms of a Salmonella Infection?

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning can vary but typically include:

  • Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
  • Fever (often higher than 102°F)
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache

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

What to Do If You Suspect Salmonella Poisoning

If you think you have a Salmonella infection:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, bloody diarrhea, prolonged vomiting, or signs of dehydration.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte can be helpful.
  3. Rest: Allow your body to recover.
  4. Eat Light Meals: Start with bland foods like crackers, toast, rice, or applesauce.
  5. Avoid Certain Medications: Do not use anti-diarrheal medications unless directed by your healthcare provider, as they can interfere with your body’s ability to eliminate the infection.

Preventing Salmonella Infection: Food Safety Tips

Preventing Salmonella infection involves practicing proper food safety:

  • Clean: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Wash utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water.
  • Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods in your grocery cart and refrigerator. Use separate cutting boards and plates for produce and raw meats.
  • Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F). Thaw food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

Legal Recourse: Understanding Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been affected by a Salmonella outbreak linked to home delivery meals, you may have legal options. You may be able to pursue a claim for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

When should you consider contacting a personal injury lawyer?

  • Severe Illness: If you experienced severe symptoms, required hospitalization, or suffered long-term health complications.
  • Confirmed Outbreak: If your illness is linked to a confirmed Salmonella outbreak.
  • Financial Losses: If you incurred significant medical bills or lost income due to your illness.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

A personal injury lawyer specializing in foodborne illnesses can:

  • Investigate Your Claim: Gather evidence to establish the link between your illness and the contaminated food source.
  • Determine Liability: Identify all responsible parties, including the meal delivery service, food suppliers, and others in the supply chain.
  • Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Handle communications with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement.
  • File a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit to protect your rights and seek compensation through the courts.

Have you or a loved one been affected by a Salmonella outbreak linked to home delivery meals?

If you have experienced a Salmonella infection due to contaminated home delivery meals, it’s essential to understand your rights and take appropriate action. Contacting a personal injury attorney can provide you with the guidance and representation you need to navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.