"Check your refrigerator and freezer for these products and throw them away or contact the company," the agency warning added. Till now, at least 16 people across ten American states have been affected by the deadly infection - California, Missouri, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Which meals have been affected?
According to the CDC, the affected microwavable meals, which were delivered by the company during the week of July 28, include:
- 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
While the CDC is trying to find out the main source of contamination, investigators have suggested that customers make sure to always "wash items and surfaces that may have touched the affected ready-to-eat meals using hot soapy water or a dishwasher."
What is Salmonella infection?
Salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis, happens when you get sick with diarrhoea and stomach pains from Salmonella bacteria. Doctors say it is the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the United States.
According to experts, when you get salmonella, it means enough bacteria have gotten past your stomach acid and immune system to make you sick. Salmonella bacteria invade and destroy the cells that line your intestines - making it extremely hard for your body to absorb water, which can give you stomach cramps. The water leaves your body in the form of diarrhoea and vomiting. You may be at an increased risk of getting Salmonella if you:
- Live or work around high-risk animals like chickens or ducks.
- Take antacids or antibiotics regularly.
- Live with inflammatory bowel disease
- Are under the age of 5 or over the age of 60 years
- Have a compromised immune system
- Have sickle cell disease
Signs and symptoms of Salmonella infection
Doctors say the symptoms of Salmonella appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure to Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of Salmonella affect your stomach and intestines and include:
- Diarrhoea
- High fever
- Stomach pains or cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
How can you treat Salmonella infection?
Doctors say you usually do not treat Salmonella with medication, but if you are severely ill or at high risk for complications, your doctor can treat you with antibiotics. If you have severe diarrhoea, you may need to be hospitalised.
