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Local reports indicate a cluster of Salmonella illnesses at the Mattoon Cracker Barrel has prompted a Coles County Health Department investigation.
How many have reported illness? Do we know the source of these infections? What is being done about it? What should you do if you become sick after eating at the restaurant?
Follow along for answers to these important questions, and more!
Local reports say that the Coles County Health Department confirmed that at least ten people have become sick with a potentially serious foodborne bacterial infection.
When outbreak patients were interviewed, half of those questioned indicated eating at the Mattoon Cracker Barrel prior to becoming sick.
There are likely other illnesses, not yet captured in these numbers. Many people with Salmonella infections experience mild symptoms and never seek medical care. Without seeing a healthcare provider, they are never tested for Salmonella and are not included in outbreak statistics.
As part of the outbreak investigation and prevention activities, the Mattoon Cracker Barrel location was ordered to temporarily close.
The restaurant “voluntarily closed early on May 23, 2025 to conduct additional deep cleaning and is cooperating with CCHD to determine a source of the infections.”
During this time, health investigators often educate management and staff on foodborne illness prevention rules and ensure proper cleaning is performed prior to reopening.
The restaurant has since reopened.
Salmonella is a type of germ. A microscopic bacteria capable of causing illness in humans and animals. It is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses resulting in hospitalization and deaths in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella is responsible for around 1.35 million infections across the country each year.
Anything can technically become contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Cross-contamination can spread these harmful microbes from one food to another. For this reason, it is sometimes difficult to track down a specific source.
Certain foods, however, have been associated with Salmonella outbreaks more than others.
Common foods associated with Salmonella include:
Looking at the list, I can see several prominent items that may be on the Mattoon Cracker Barrel menu.
They are known for their turkey, beef, and pork. Not to mention the delicious breakfast items featuring eggs. I believe they make their pot pies in-house. There is certainly a lot of flour in their kitchen. Any of these could be the culprit for the Mattoon Cracker Barrel Salmonella outbreak.
And then, there are the ongoing multi-state outbreaks.
The specific type of Salmonella bacteria involved in the Mattoon Cracker Barel Salmonella outbreak has not been announced. As such, the casual observer may be wondering if this restaurant contamination could be part of a bigger situation.
Additional laboratory analysis would be required to make that determination.
There are three ongoing Salmonella outbreaks on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Active Foodborne Outbreak Investigation table. One with a known source. The other two with sources that have not yet been identified.
The FDA Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak given reference number 1300 was announced on April 23, 2025. So far, there have been at least 103 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak. FDA traceback investigation has begun on this outbreak. But no additional movement has been made on identifying a source.
Another Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak was announced on April 23, 2025. This one given the reference number 1301. Since these appear as two different outbreaks, it is likely that the strains are genetically different or have very little geographical overlap. At least 30 confirmed cases have been associated with this outbreak so far. It too has stalled at the initiated FDA traceback investigation phase.
The FDA multi-state Salmonella Montevideo outbreak announced on May 14, 2025 has been associated with cucumbers. The subsequent recall has been expanded at least once, so it is possible that additional cucumbers may be part of this FDA outbreak investigation.
As of May 23, 2025, there have been at least 26 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak. At least three have come from the state of Illinois.
Salmonella infection symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure.
Most people experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that last about a week (four to seven days).
In some cases, complications may arise from infection.
Most of the time Salmonella bacteria are limited to the intestinal tract. But in some cases, bacteria can breach the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. When this happens, bacteria may infect the urinary tract, blood, bones, joints, and even the nervous system.
Common Salmonella complications include bacteremia, irritable bowel syndrome, and reactive arthritis that can affect other parts of the body.
Certain groups of people have conditions or susceptibilities that make them more likely to become sick if exposed, and experience more severe symptoms if infected.
Those more vulnerable to Salmonella infection include:
Those more likely to experience sever symptoms include:
While most people do not need medical intervention and are not prescribed antibiotic treatment, those in the higher risk group are more likely to receive treatment.
If you become sick, even if you aren’t sick enough to require medical intervention, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent future illnesses.
Reporting your illness can help outbreak investigators track down the source of the foodborne outbreak. Making a list of the foods you ate in the week prior to becoming sick can help their investigation. The more specific information these investigators have, the better armed they can be to track down a source.
Salmonella illness symptoms can lead to dehydration. Diarrheal illness depletes your body of the important fluids it needs to run smoothly. Replace lost fluids with water, electrolytes, and sugar-free beverages.
If you have eaten at the Mattoon Cracker Barrel and become sick, it is a good idea to get advice from a Salmonella lawyer. If you have been seriously impacted by your illness you may have questions about who is responsible for the medical bills and some of the other burdens associated with this type of illness. Missed work, caring for a loved one, etc. An experienced Salmonella lawyer can help answer your questions and even ones you may not have thought of.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully represented cases just like yours and won millions of dollars in food poisoning and products liabilities lawsuits.
Reach out by calling (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation with you.
Don’t wait. Call today to get the justice you deserve.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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