A concerning food safety alert is unfolding: 16 people across 10 US states have fallen ill with Salmonella, and 7 have been hospitalized after eating home delivery meals from Metabolic Meals. According to the CDC, these ready-to-eat meals, sent during the week of July 28, are under investigation, with the true number of cases possibly higher.What happened?

The CDC confirmed that meals delivered by Metabolic Meals during the week of July 28 may have been contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.This outbreak spans 10 states, including California, Georgia, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas, and more. Although no deaths have been reported, seven people have been hospitalized. Customers received meals like Four Cheese Tortellini with Pesto and Grilled Chicken (Lot 25199), Low-Carb Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables (Lot 25202), Black Garlic & Ranch Chicken Tenders (Lot 25205), and Sliced Top Sirloin with Roasted Peanut Sauce (Lot 25203) during the week of July 28.The CDC warns the illness count may rise as more cases are reported and investigated, although officials warn the actual number of cases could be higher, as it often takes several weeks to link illnesses to an outbreak.Meanwhile, Metabolic Meals is working with investigators and has contacted customers believed to have received the affected items.What is a Salmonella outbreak?

A Salmonella outbreak, in simple terms, means two or more people have become sick with Salmonella from the same source, such as a contaminated food or drink. Public health officials investigate these outbreaks to identify the source and prevent further illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common symptoms to watch for

If you've eaten one of the meals in question, it's important to be aware of symptoms that typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. These include:Diarrhea, often severe or prolongedAbdominal cramps and stomach painFever, usually above 102°F (39°C)Nausea and vomiting, which can make fluid intake difficultSome people, especially young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe illness.How to manage the illness

Salmonella typically resolves on its own within 4-7 days, but medical help should be sought when symptoms are alarming.Home care for mild cases:Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Water, broths, oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, or diluted fruit juices.Rest: Give your body time to recover.Easy-to-digest snacks: Toast, crackers, rice, or applesauce may help as your appetite returns.Avoid anti-diarrheal medicines like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol unless advised by a healthcare provider; they may prolong the infection.Seek medical help if you experience:Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days,Fever above 102°F,Bloody stools,Persistent vomiting, orDehydration signs: dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness when standing.Hospitalization may be required for severe dehydration or for vulnerable groups (young children, elderly, immunocompromised). For severe cases, antibiotics may be needed for high-risk patients or severe cases, though some outbreak strains may resist common medications. Treatment choice often depends on lab results and doctor recommendations. Hospital care may include intravenous (IV) fluids, especially if dehydration is severe.Prevention and safety tips

To help protect yourself amid the outbreak:Check your refrigerator and freezer for meals from Metabolic Meals delivered in late July. Verify lot codes and best-by dates, and discard any suspicious packages.Thoroughly clean surfaces and utensils that came into contact with these meals using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.Practice good food hygiene at home: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, and always clean cutting boards and utensils after use.Cook foods to safe internal temperatures (165°F or higher for poultry, 145°F for other meats) to kill potential pathogens.Stay alert and informed: Monitor updates from the CDC or your state health department in case the list of affected meals expands.From food to boarding, Indore-based couple opens Doggy Dhaba

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