CDC Probes Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Home-Delivery Meals

September 2025 — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched an urgent investigation into a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections, believed to be linked to ready-to-eat meals produced by Metabolic Meals, a popular home-delivery meal service. At least 16 people across 10 states have fallen ill, with seven requiring hospitalization, sparking concerns over food safety in the booming meal delivery industry.

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Details of the Outbreak

According to the CDC, the outbreak has been traced to pre-packaged meals shipped directly to customers’ homes. Laboratory testing and patient interviews identified a strong connection between the illnesses and specific meal batches prepared by Metabolic Meals.

One lot in particular—Lot Code 25204—has been flagged as potentially contaminated. Health officials are urging consumers who may have purchased meals with this code to immediately discard them and thoroughly disinfect any kitchen surfaces, utensils, or containers that came into contact with the products.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and include:

Diarrhea
Fever
Abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting

While most healthy individuals recover within a week, the infection can be severe, even life-threatening, for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Hospitalizations Raise Alarm

Of the 16 confirmed cases, seven individuals have required hospitalization due to severe dehydration and complications linked to the infection. No deaths have been reported so far. The hospitalized patients underscore the seriousness of the outbreak and the potential for widespread impact if contaminated meals are not quickly removed from circulation.

Dr. Emily Rogers, a CDC foodborne illness specialist, emphasized:

“Meal delivery services are convenient, but this outbreak is a reminder that food safety must remain the top priority. Consumers should stay alert for recalls and practice strict kitchen hygiene if they suspect contamination.”

Impact on the Meal Delivery Industry

Metabolic Meals, known for its health-conscious ready-to-eat offerings, has temporarily suspended shipments of affected products while cooperating with federal and state health agencies. The incident has raised questions about food safety protocols in the fast-growing home-delivery meal sector, which has seen explosive growth since the pandemic.

Industry experts warn that the outbreak could shake consumer confidence at a time when more households rely on meal delivery for convenience and nutrition. Calls are growing for stricter safety checks, cold-chain monitoring, and independent inspections of production facilities.

Public Advisory

The CDC recommends that all consumers:

Check packaging labels for Lot Code 25204 or meals linked to Metabolic Meals during the affected period.
Dispose of contaminated meals immediately in a sealed bag to prevent accidental consumption.
Thoroughly disinfect refrigerators, countertops, and utensils that may have been exposed.
Seek medical attention if experiencing severe diarrhea, dehydration, or persistent fever after consuming ready-to-eat meals.

Consumers are also encouraged to report suspected illnesses to local health departments, aiding in tracking and containing the outbreak.

Looking Ahead

This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in modern food supply chains. While the convenience of home-delivered meals has reshaped how people eat, experts caution that rigorous safety standards must keep pace with industry growth.

Dr. Rogers added:

“Foodborne illnesses are preventable. With the right safeguards, monitoring, and consumer awareness, outbreaks like this one can be minimized. Until then, vigilance remains our best defense.”

As the investigation continues, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are expected to release further updates, including possible additional recalls. For now, health authorities stress caution, urging consumers to prioritize safety over convenience when in doubt.