The Salmonella Spring of 2025 continues. Health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Mattoon, Illinois, after ten people fell ill, five of whom reported eating at the location. The Coles County Health Department (CCHD) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed the infections date back to May 23, 2025.
Response and Investigation
The restaurant voluntarily closed early on May 23 to conduct “additional deep cleaning” and is cooperating with health authorities to identify the source of contamination. No specific food item or operational lapse has yet been confirmed. CCHD emphasized that the collaboration aims to prevent further illnesses and ensure public safety.
Symptoms and Public Guidance
Salmonella symptoms typically emerge 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, headaches, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Illnesses usually resolve within 4 to 7 days without medical intervention, though older adults, young children, and immunocompromised individuals may require care. Health officials have urged anyone experiencing symptoms after dining at this location to contact their healthcare provider and report the illness to CCHD.
Context and Scope
This incident follows a separate 2024 Salmonella outbreak at a Cracker Barrel in Bourbonnais, Illinois, which sickened eight people. Another Cracker Barrel in Perrysburg, Ohio was linked to two cases of Salmonella earlier this year. Both individuals reported eating at the restaurant although a follow up inspection by the Wood County Health Department was unable to link the cases and the Cracker Barrel location. Federal, state, and local health agencies continue to monitor such outbreaks, highlighting the critical role of restaurant compliance with food safety protocols.
Authorities stress that the current investigation is limited to the Mattoon restaurant and does not implicate Cracker Barrel’s broader supply chain or other locations.
Recent weeks have seen a large number of Salmonella outbreaks in the United States and United Kingdom, including:
- A mystery Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 25 across the UK
- An outbreak across the United States linked to cucumbers that continues to grow
- A Salmonella outbreak at Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe in San Diego that has so far sickened nearly 100 patrons
Food Poisoning News will continue to provide updates as the Cracker Barrel investigation progresses and when more information is made available.
