Public health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infection linked to certain home delivery meals made by Missouri-based Metabolic Meals, according to a Sept. 5 notice from the CDC.
“Do not eat affected Metabolic Meals products while the investigation is ongoing,” the agency said in the notice.
“Check your refrigerator and freezer for these products and throw them away or contact the company.”
The outbreak has resulted in 16 cases, with seven hospitalizations in 10 states. No deaths have been reported. Some of the states impacted are California, Texas, Georgia, and Missouri.
People get sick with salmonellosis when they ingest food or drink contaminated with the salmonella bacteria. The bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year, with contaminated food, especially chicken, being the main source for most of the illnesses.
No food recall announcements have been issued. The investigation is ongoing to determine the specific source of contamination.
The affected Metabolic Meals products were delivered during the week of July 28.
These include Cheese Tortellini with Pesto Sauce and Grilled Chicken, Low Carb Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables, Black Garlic & Ranch Chicken Tenders with Roasted Vegetables, and Sliced Top Sirloin with Roasted Peanut Sauce and Summer Vegetables. The items had lot codes 25199, 25202, 25205, and 25203, respectively.
The Best-By dates were all in August. Additional meal lot codes include 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, and 25205.
The Epoch Times reached out to Metabolic Foods for comment, but did not receive a response by publication time.
The CDC’s warning notice advised people not to eat Metabolic Meals products, and to wash surfaces that have come into contact with the items with hot soapy water.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis
The agency said anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea or a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit should contact their health care provider.
Severe salmonellosis symptoms include diarrhea lasting more than three days and not improving, bloody diarrhea, continuous vomiting, and signs of dehydration such as little or no urine, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.
Symptoms start appearing 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting the bacteria, with most people recovering after 4 to 7 days.
People with weakened immune systems—children and the elderly—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
According to the CDC, antimicrobial resistance in salmonella infections is becoming more common. When drugs designed to kill the bacteria lose their efficacy, it limits treatment options for people with severe infections.
“One way to slow down the development of antimicrobial resistance is by appropriate use of antibiotics in people and animals,” the agency said.
When people resort to taking anti-diarrheal medication like Imodium, it might make salmonellosis last longer. The CDC advised those infected to consult with a physician before taking such medications.
For those who suffer from bloody diarrhea, or diarrhea with a fever, or diarrhea that has lasted more than two days, it is not recommended to take anti-diarrheal medication.
Moreover, the agency advises children younger than 12 not to take anti-diarrheal medication containing bismuth subsalicylate. This includes branded drugs Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate.
Besides spreading from people with diarrhea through unwashed hands or sexual contact, the bacteria can be transmitted via pets or other healthy animals found in zoos, farms, and fairs.
Last month, a salmonella outbreak was reported involving bacterial infections linked to eggs from Country Eggs LLC.
On Aug. 27, the company recalled large, brown, cage-free eggs sold in grocery stores and through food service distributors. The outbreak resulted in 95 cases with 18 hospitalizations spread across 14 states.