If you’ve stocked your freezer with pre-made meals for convenience, now’s a good time to double-check what’s inside.

A recent salmonella outbreak has been linked to several frozen entrees delivered by a nationwide meal subscription company.

So far, multiple people have been hospitalized, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns there may be more unreported cases.


This alert is especially important for older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and anyone who regularly receives home-delivered food.

Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe—and what to do if you’ve been affected.

What’s behind the salmonella alert?​

The CDC has identified a multi-state outbreak of salmonella, with at least 16 reported illnesses and 7 hospitalizations across 10 states.

While no deaths have been reported, health officials believe many more cases likely went untested or unreported, as salmonella often mimics common stomach bugs.

The outbreak has been traced to four frozen meals from Metabolic Meals, a Missouri-based home delivery company that ships meals to subscribers nationwide.

Around 3,200 customers receive their meals weekly, so the impact could be widespread.

Also read: Frozen sprouted beans recalled after salmonella outbreak—check your freezer now​

​

These are the meals to look for​

If you or someone in your household uses Metabolic Meals, check your freezer immediately for the following entrees:

• Four Cheese Tortellini with Pesto Sauce and Grilled Chicken
• Low Carb Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables
• Black Garlic and Ranch Chicken Tenders with Roasted Vegetables
• Sliced Top Sirloin with Roasted Peanut Sauce and Summer Vegetables

These meals were delivered the week of July 28, 2025, with expiration dates between August 5 and August 8, 2025.

Look for lot numbers 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, or 25205, which may repeat across different items.

Also read: A massive egg recall sparks a fresh warning—nearly 100 people have fallen ill from salmonella​

​

Where have cases been reported?​

So far, illnesses have been confirmed in:

• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Texas
• Washington
• Wisconsin

California and Missouri have reported the highest number of cases.

However, since Metabolic Meals ships to 48 states, the risk may be more widespread than currently documented.

Also read: Are the vegetables in your kitchen making you sick? FDA issues urgent recall amid salmonella outbreak​

​

What is salmonella, and why is it dangerous?​

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes foodborne illness, typically through contaminated meat, eggs, or produce.

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food and can last up to a week.

While most healthy adults recover on their own, salmonella can be dangerous—and even life-threatening—for older adults, infants, and people with weakened immune systems, sometimes leading to bloodstream infections.

Also read: Salmonella-linked recall expands: What to know and how to stay safe​

​

What you should do right now​

If you’ve received meals from Metabolic Meals recently, here’s what the CDC recommends:

1. Check your freezer — Look for the affected meal names and lot numbers. Discard them immediately, even if you haven’t experienced symptoms.
2. Clean all surfaces — Wash any plates, utensils, countertops, or freezer shelves that came into contact with the meals using hot, soapy water.
3. Monitor your health — If you experience symptoms, especially after eating one of the recalled meals, contact your healthcare provider.
4. Tell friends and family — If you know someone who uses Metabolic Meals, pass along this information.

Also read: FDA issues highest-level recall over deadly contamination risk—check your pantry​

​

Why outbreaks like this are happening more often​

With the rising popularity of meal delivery services, food safety has become more complex.

Meals are shipped long distances and may sit outside for hours, especially in warm weather.

Even companies with high safety standards can experience issues somewhere along their supply chain.

Metabolic Meals is currently working with health officials to identify the source of the contamination and notify affected customers.

Also read: Experts reveal the key difference between rare steak and rare chicken​

​

How to protect yourself in the future​

Here are a few food safety habits to keep in mind:

• Check lot numbers and expiration dates when your delivery arrives
• Freeze or refrigerate meals immediately—don’t leave them sitting out
• Reheat food thoroughly—aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F
• Sign up for recall alerts through the FDA or CDC to stay informed

A reminder: salmonella is more common than you think​

Each year in the US, about 1.3 million people get sick from salmonella.

Of those, 26,500 are hospitalized, and approximately 400 die—most often individuals with higher health risks.

Many cases go unreported, which makes consumer awareness all the more important.

Read next: Don’t let salmonella ruin your meals! Must-know kitchen tricks to keep your family safe


Have you been affected by this outbreak—or another one in the past? Do you use home meal delivery services? Share your tips, stories, or questions in the comments below. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping our kitchens (and loved ones) safe!