In January 2022, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections at a correctional facility. The investigation linked consumption of mechanically separated chicken to illness. Mechanically separated chicken, which is produced at chicken processing facilities by separating edible chicken from bone and cartilage under pressure, is frequently purchased for use in institutions such as prisons and jails.

A total of 15 cases of S. Enteritidis infection were identified, including 5 confirmed and 10 probable cases. Two patients were hospitalized. No one died. All 15 cases occurred in food workers, all of whom reported eating chili that had been prepared from the raw mechanically separated chicken product.