CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — An outbreak of salmonella tied to a home-delivery meal service has sickened people in at least 10 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The source of the outbreak is believed to be several varieties of ready-to-eat meals produced by Metabolic Meals, the CDC says. Those varieties include Four 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.
A recall for the meals had not been issued as of Tuesday, but Metabolic Meals is said to be contacting customers directly, according to the CDC.
Additional information on the exact varieties of the affected meals, as well as their lot codes and best-by dates, have been published in the CDC’s outbreak alert.
The first cases linked to the outbreak were identified on July 24, per a timeline published by the CDC. The most recent case was identified on Aug. 15.
As of the latest update, a total of 16 people had been sickened, with seven of those requiring hospitalization. Cases were identified in 10 states: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
The CDC said the true number of cases is “likely much higher” because some people recover without contacting a healthcare provider or testing for salmonella infection. It can also take up to a month for cases of salmonella infection to be linked to a specific outbreak.
The CDC is now urging anyone who may have purchased one of the affected Metabolic Meals to dispose of the products or contact a healthcare provider if experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection after eating one of the meals.
Symptoms of salmonella infections can present up to six days after ingesting contaminated food. Diarrhea, fever, vomiting and stomach cramps are common, and severe symptoms include bloody diarrhea (or diarrhea that lasts for more than three days), fever of over 102 degrees F, frequent vomiting that prevents the ingestion of liquids, and any sign of dehydration.
Those with weakened immune systems, children under 5 years old and adults over 65 years old may experience more severe illness.
