Salmonella cases in 10 states have been linked to home delivery meals made by Metabolic Meals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People are advised to check their freezers for the affected products.
Metabolic Meals is a company that provides “stress-free ready-made meals from our kitchen to yours,” according to its website.
A notice on the outbreak updated Sept. 5 showed that 16 cases have been reported across Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Those reported cases have included seven hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported.
Infection with the salmonella bacteria can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. While many people recover without treatment in around a week, children under the age of 5 and adults age 65 and older are vulnerable to more severe illness and dangerous complications. In fact, salmonella bacteria are the leading cause of death due to foodborne illness in the U.S.
According to the CDC, the first case in the outbreak linked to the Metabolic Meals was reported on July 24 and the latest was reported on Aug. 15. However, it noted that the actual number of sick people is likely much higher than what has been reported, as some people may have recovered without care and because more recent illnesses may have not yet been reported.
While it takes within six hours to six days of exposure to become ill from salmonella bacteria, it can take up to three or four weeks to determine if an illness is part of an outbreak, the CDC explained. Metabolic Meals products linked to the outbreak were sent out the week of July 28 and had best buy dates from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8.
Affected products include:
· 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 include: 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, 25205, said the CDC. It noted that epidemiologic data indicates that Salmonella enteritidis is the specific bacteria linked to this outbreak. An investigation into the outbreak is ongoing that includes public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS)
As of this Tuesday, no recall has been issued yet, but the CDC said Metabolic Meals is cooperating with the investigation and has reached out to customers who purchased the affected meals.
Symptoms of typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. People who believe they may have been exposed to salmonella should contact their medical providers, especially if they have a fever higher than 102 degrees, diarrhea for more than three days, bloody diarrhea, vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down and signs of dehydration such as infrequent urination, dry mouth and feeling dizzy when standing up.
Those who have any of the Metabolic Meals products listed should not eat them. Instead, they should throw out the meals and contact the company. Additionally, they are advised to wash items and surfaces that may have come in contact with ready-to-eat meals using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Audacy also covered another recent salmonella outbreak linked to eggs. Although salmonella is often associated with poultry, it can also affect other foods such as cucumbers, as Audacy reported last year.