Food Service Vendor, Trinity Service Group Blamed for Broome County Jail Outbreak

Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on June 10, 2026

Trinity Service Group, the food service vendor for Broome County Jail, has been cited for several health violations. During the course of the investigation, local health officials noted at least six critical violations contributing to the outbreak that sickened over 300 people at the facility.

Information from a press conference has filled in the blanks about what went wrong. From ingredient handling and storage to food preparation and sanitation.

But this isn’t the first time Trinity Service Group has been in trouble for their food service. Meal substitutions, unsanitary kitchen conditions, watered down food, and other food poisoning outbreaks have been associated with this food service vendor.

What health violations may have contributed to the Broome County Jail food poisoning outbreak? What other problems has Trinity Service Group had in the past? If you or a family member became sick, do you know your rights?

Here’s what we know so far about The Trinity Service Group food service company’s role in the Broome County Jail food poisoning outbreak.

Broome County Jail Food Poisoning Outbreak

As early as May 25, 2026, inmates at the Broome County Jail began reporting gastrointestinal illness symptoms to medical staff. Symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches. Within two days, over 300 people were sick.

Initially, medical staff suspected norovirus. A highly contagious illness that can be a problem in close quarters situations like a county jail.

Patient test results returned with a different diagnosis.

Salmonella bacterial infections.

Local health authorities began investigating what was believed to be a foodborne outbreak. A Sheriff’s office press release indicated that initial findings of the inspection that took place on May 26, 2026 “found no major violations within the facilities, equipment or food preparation areas.”

However, a recent press statement said otherwise.

Multiple Serious Health Violations by Trinity Service Group

Trinity Service Group is a food service provider who, according to their website, is a company whose “sole focus is on the corrections industry.”

They are among a handful of food service contractors that state and local governments pay to feed inmates at the facility.

Several problems were discovered during the course of the investigation.

During a news conference, local health officials noted some of these violations:

• Frozen and refrigerated foods were left on the loading dock for over five hours.
• Frozen chicken used in the chicken salad was left in the middle of the kitchen for more than three hours.
• Chicken was placed in a skillet and workers picked off pieces while it was cooking.
• Temperature checks were not performed during cooking, cooling, or reheating.
• Bare hands (“elbow-deep”) were used to mix cooked chicken.
• No handwashing or glove use.
• Cooked chicken was immediately stored in walk-in cooler instead of being gradually cooled after cooking.
• Food workers were not wearing hair nets.
• Equipment was improperly cleaned.

Reports claim that at least some of these are repeat violations. A brief Internet search finds there is truth to this. Several cases of food poisoning have been filed against Trinity Service Group as well as concerns about the quality of the food they serve.

Historical Problems with Trinity Service Group Food Service

While Trinity Service Group is not the only correctional facility food service vendor recently under fire for food poisoning and quality, they have recently been in the news.

For example, fines and other violations were launched against the company for problems at a Michigan prison.

On three separate occasions, health officials found maggots in food being served by Trinity. Prisoners have also complained of “crunchy dirt” in potatoes and other health concerns. The company was fined by the State of Michigan for staffing shortages, unauthorized meal substitutions, and other violations to the tune of $2 million.

Food quality has also been responsible for riots at the state’s Kinross Correctional Facility for low protein, watered down food, and other quality issues.

Why Is Food Quality Important in Correctional Facilities

You may be wondering why food quality is important in correctional facilities.

Now, I am not saying that steaks and lobster should be on the menu. But food that keeps people healthy is necessary. Many inmates have some sort of chronic illness. Illnesses that must be treated by taxpayer dollars.

Those 300 plus cases of food poisoning.

Also treated with taxpayer dollars.

So, there is a benefit to ensuring food served at these facilities are unadulterated, balanced, and nutritional. Saving pennies per meal and hiring contractors with a history of violations to prepare these meals may not balance the scales in the long run.

Did You Fall Sick from Food Served by Trinity Service Group?

If you fell sick from food served by Trinity Service Group or another correctional facility food service vendor, it is important to understand your rights.

Some cases against companies like this have cited the eighth amendment right, involving “cruel and unusual punishment.” Others cite civil rights.

In this situation involving food poisoning at Broome County Jail, food safety violations would likely take the stage in a case or settlement. Every situation is different.

What is important to know, is that if you fell sick from food served by Trinity Service Group, even if you were incarcerated, you do have rights.

It is a good idea to get advice from an experienced food poisoning lawyer.

The Lange Law Firm Can Help!

If you have been seriously impacted by your Salmonella illness, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Salmonella Lawyer that can help.

Reach out by calling (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your situation with you to help determine if you have a legal case.

Want to Learn More? Stay in Touch with Make Food Safe!

If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Food Service Vendor, Trinity Service Group Blamed for Broome County Jail Outbreak,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)