A multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections has been traced to home delivery meals made by Metabolic Meals, according to the CDC’s recent report. This outbreak—part of ongoing investigations as of September 5, 2025—has raised fresh concerns about food safety in the growing prepared meal delivery business.
Key Facts from the Outbreak
- Number of cases: 16 people have become ill across 10 U.S. states.
- Hospitalizations: 7 individuals required hospitalization.
- Deaths: There have been no reported deaths to date.
- Culprit meals: The affected items come from Metabolic Meals and 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)
- And other meals with Lot Codes: 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, 25205.
- What to do: The CDC recommends that anyone who has these meals in their refrigerator or freezer throw them away or contact the company. Also, clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with these meals.
Health Risks & Symptoms
Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen that typically causes symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting contaminated food. Most healthy people recover without needing medical treatment within about 4-7 days.
However, certain groups are at higher risk of severe complications, including:
- Children under 5 years
- Adults aged 65 and older
- People with weakened immune systems
Serious complications can include dehydration, bloodstream infection, or other symptoms requiring hospitalization. Because 7 of the 16 cases were hospitalized, this outbreak underscores how even prepared or delivered meals are not risk-free.
Legal Implications & When to Seek Help
When foodborne illness strikes due to contaminated products, cooked or ready-to-eat meals, victims may have legal rights. Negligence can occur at many points: sourcing ingredients, food preparation, hygiene, packaging, storage, or delivering meals. If a company fails to adequately test their food, or fails to issue a recall in a timely manner, affected individuals might explore legal action.
Food poisoning attorneys specialize in investigating such claims, helping to determine liability, collect evidence, and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or suffering. Firms such as Ron Simon & Associates have experience with cases stemming from outbreaks, and can help victims navigate complex claims.
If you believe you’ve been harmed by one of these meals, recording your symptoms, medical treatment, the lot code of the product, and where you purchased it will be useful for any potential legal case.
How to Protect Yourself & Stay Informed
- Check your meals: Compare any Metabolic Meals in your fridge or freezer to the lot codes listed above. If they match, discard them or contact the company.
- Clean carefully: Thoroughly wash kitchen surfaces, utensils, and containers that may have come into contact with the meals.
- Watch for symptoms: Seek medical care if you experience severe or prolonged symptoms, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
- Follow recall and outbreak alerts: Reputable sources like the CDC or FDA can provide timely updates on similar outbreaks and food safety warnings.
