Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Meal Delivery Service
A salmonella outbreak tied to a national meal delivery service has left 16 people ill and hospitalized seven of them across 10 states, according to a Sept. 5 notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The illnesses are linked to frozen, ready-to-eat meals produced by Metabolic Meals, a subscription-based company that markets healthy, macro-balanced prepared dishes.
The Scope of the Outbreak
The CDC reports that illnesses connected to the outbreak have been identified in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. While 16 cases have been confirmed so far, officials say the true number is likely higher.
Because salmonella infections can take weeks to confirm through testing, and many people with milder symptoms do not seek medical care, additional illnesses may emerge as investigations continue.
Impacted Metabolic Meals Products
The CDC and Metabolic Meals have identified several meal products prepared during the week of July 28 as potentially contaminated. Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the following items:
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 and 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
Additional meals with lot codes 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, and 25205
The CDC advises consumers not to eat these products. Affected meals should be discarded immediately, or customers can contact Metabolic Meals directly at 855-355-6325 for guidance. Surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the meals should be washed thoroughly with hot, soapy water to prevent cross-contamination.
Understanding Salmonella Risks
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after exposure. Most people recover without medical treatment within a week, but the illness can become severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The CDC warns that anyone experiencing the following symptoms should seek medical care promptly:
Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement
Fever higher than 102°F
Bloody diarrhea
Severe vomiting preventing fluid intake
Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination
Ongoing Investigation
Federal health officials are still working with Metabolic Meals to pinpoint the exact source of contamination. The company, which emphasizes low-carb and high-protein meals for health-conscious customers, has cooperated with the investigation and is helping to track affected batches.
As with many foodborne illness outbreaks, identifying the contaminated ingredient can be complex. Meal kits often contain multiple components sourced from different suppliers, making the tracing process time-consuming.
What Consumers Should Do
The CDC stresses vigilance for anyone who has purchased Metabolic Meals in recent weeks. Checking packaging for lot codes and best-by dates is the most reliable way to identify affected products. Customers should also remain aware of symptoms and contact their health provider if illness develops after eating the meals.
While the outbreak has been limited so far, food safety experts note that quick consumer action—discarding potentially contaminated food and reporting illness—can help prevent the spread of salmonella and protect vulnerable populations.
For now, the CDC advises consumers to err on the side of caution. Anyone with meals from Metabolic Meals that match the listed lot codes should throw them out, disinfect storage areas, and stay alert for potential symptoms of infection.