In Connecticut, a salmonella outbreak linked to home meal delivery services has affected individuals in at least ten states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC indicates that this outbreak likely stems from various ready-to-eat meal options offered by metabolic diets. Some of these meals include grilled chicken with pesto, low-carb chicken teriyaki with vegetables, roasted vegetables with black garlic and ranch chicken tender, as well as peanuts and summer vegetable dishes.
No official recall of the meals has been announced as of Tuesday, but metabolic diets are reportedly reaching out to customers directly.
For more details regarding the specific meals involved, including their lot codes and best-by dates, the CDC has provided information in their outbreak alerts.
The first case tied to this outbreak was reported on July 24, while the latest occurred on August 15. A total of 16 people have fallen ill, with seven requiring hospitalization. The states affected are Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The CDC acknowledges that the actual number of infected individuals may be significantly higher since many people recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing for salmonella. Furthermore, it can take up to a month for infections to be traced back to a specific outbreak.
The CDC advises anyone who purchased these affected meals to either dispose of them or consult a healthcare provider if they start to exhibit symptoms of salmonella, which can develop up to six days after consuming contaminated food.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and stomach cramps. More severe cases might involve bloody diarrhea lasting over three days, high fever, persistent vomiting that hinders fluid intake, and signs of dehydration.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and seniors may face more severe health challenges from the infection.
