Emergency crews transported 19 people to hospitals after roughly 25 to 30 workers reported symptoms of a possible foodborne illness at a Walmart distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee, late last week.

The Wilson County Emergency Management Agency disclosed the scale of the incident in a statement shared Sunday, four days after the initial call. The agency said it responded to the facility for "a female experiencing symptoms of a possible food-related illness" — and the situation escalated quickly once responders arrived.

"Upon arrival, additional units were requested to assist. Approximately 25 to 30 patients were triaged on scene, with 19 patients transported," the agency said in its statement to Nexstar's WKRN-TV.

What do authorities know so far?

Details remain limited. Authorities previously told WKRN that they suspect food poisoning as the cause, but no confirmed pathogen, contaminated food item or meal source has been identified publicly.

The incident is under active investigation. No agency has stated whether the suspected food was served at the distribution center itself — for example, through a cafeteria, catering or vending operation — or whether a shared outside meal is the potential vector.

Key facts confirmed so far:

• Location: Walmart distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee, the Wilson County seat roughly 30 miles east of Nashville.
• Casualty scale: Approximately 25 to 30 patients triaged on scene; 19 transported for further medical care.
• Timing: Incident occurred late last week; the agency's statement was released Sunday.
• Suspected cause: Food-related illness, per authorities speaking to WKRN, though not yet confirmed.

Why distribution-center food safety matters

The incident puts a spotlight on food handling at high-headcount industrial facilities, where a single shared meal source can sicken dozens of workers in one shift. For Walmart, which operates one of the largest grocery distribution networks in the United States, any confirmed foodborne illness event at a facility — even one affecting employees rather than consumers — invites scrutiny of on-site food service and catering protocols.

The Lebanon site is part of Walmart's supply chain infrastructure rather than its retail footprint, meaning the exposure here is workforce-related, not store-shelf-related. Investigators have not indicated any connection to products moving through the facility.

Walmart has not publicly commented on the incident, and it remains unclear whether the company is conducting an internal review of food service at the site.

No additional details were immediately available from authorities. The Wilson County Emergency Management Agency has not announced a timeline for releasing further findings, and the investigation's conclusions — including any confirmed cause — will determine whether the incident remains an isolated workplace event or triggers broader food safety follow-up.