Dozens of people have been hospitalised across the UK following a significant Salmonella outbreak linked to popular ready-meal delivery service Metabolic Meals, prompting an urgent nationwide recall and a major investigation by food safety authorities.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an emergency alert, warning consumers not to eat a wide range of Metabolic Meals products, including chicken, turkey, and vegan items, over contamination fears. The alert affects products with use-by dates from 11 November 2023 to 28 November 2023.
Scale of the Outbreak and Public Health Response
Public Health officials are working to contain the outbreak, which has seen a rapid increase in reported cases of Salmonella poisoning. Symptoms typically include severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. While most healthy adults recover within a few days, the infection can be dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
"We are urging anyone who has any affected Metabolic Meals products in their freezer or fridge not to eat them," a spokesperson for the FSA stated. "They should be returned to the store for a full refund or thrown away immediately."
Company Statement and Product Recall
In response to the crisis, Metabolic Meals has temporarily paused all production and distribution. The company has stated it is cooperating fully with the FSA and Public Health officials to investigate the source of the contamination at its production facility.
Affected products subject to the recall include:
- Chicken & Bacon Pasta (350g)
- Turkey Bolognese (350g)
- Vegan Sausage Casserole (350g)
- Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice (350g)
- Beef Chilli with Rice (350g)
Customers are advised to check the FSA website for a complete and updated list of all recalled items.
What to Do If You Are Affected
If you have consumed any of these products and begin to experience symptoms of Salmonella, it is recommended that you:
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Report the illness to your local environmental health team to help officials track the outbreak.
- Return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of robust food safety protocols for meal delivery services, a sector that has seen explosive growth in recent years.
