16 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis across 10 states, including seven hospitalizations, are under investigation; antimicrobial resistance may complicate treatment.
CDC Salmonella Outbreak
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Health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to prepared meals distributed by Metabolic Meals. As of September 5, 2025, 16 cases have been reported across 10 states, with illness onset dates ranging from July 24 to August 15. Seven patients have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported. The median age of those affected is 56 years (range, 0–96), and 56% are female.
Epidemiologic investigations found that 10 of 12 interviewed patients (83%) consumed a Metabolic Meals prepared menu item in the week prior to illness. Laboratory testing using whole genome sequencing confirmed that bacterial isolates from affected individuals are genetically related, suggesting a common foodborne source. Isolates demonstrated predicted resistance to nalidixic acid and nonsusceptibility to ciprofloxacin, which may limit treatment options for patients requiring antibiotics.
“Of the 12 people interviewed, 10 (83%) reported eating a Metabolic Meals prepared menu item. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating certain Metabolic Meals prepared menu items,” the CDC said.
Federal and state officials, including the CDC and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, are collaborating to trace the contamination source. Public health actions include advising consumers not to eat affected Metabolic Meals products, to check home freezers and refrigerators, and to discard or return meals.
This outbreak underscores the ongoing risk of foodborne transmission through prepared meal services. While most Salmonella infections are self-limiting, clinicians should remain aware of potential antimicrobial resistance in outbreak-related cases and consider alternative antibiotics when indicated.
As of September 5, 2025, 16 Salmonella Enteritidis infections have been reported in 10 states, with a 44% hospitalization rate and no deaths.
Epidemiologic data show 83% of interviewed patients consumed Metabolic Meals products before illness onset, suggesting a strong link.
Isolates demonstrated predicted resistance to nalidixic acid and nonsusceptibility to ciprofloxacin, underscoring the need for alternative antibiotic considerations.
Salmonella are bacteria that cause salmonellosis, one of the most common foodborne illnesses worldwide. CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections annually in the United States, most from contaminated food. Transmission occurs through eating contaminated food, drinking or contacting contaminated water, and contact with animals or their environments.
Although over 2,500 Salmonella serotypes exist, fewer than 100 cause most human illness. Children under 5, adults ≥65, those with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and international travelers face the highest risk of severe infection.
Quick facts:
This outbreak emphasizes the importance of considering prepared meal services as potential sources of foodborne illness and recognizing emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns in Salmonella. Clinicians should remain alert for severe presentations in high-risk groups and be prepared to adjust empiric therapy if resistance to commonly used antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, is suspected. Prompt reporting of suspected cases to public health authorities remains essential for outbreak control.
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