1 Infant Dead, 10 Others Sickened: Listeria Outbreak Tied to Ready-to-Eat Meat Sparks Nationwide Concern
A recent listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has resulted in the death of an infant and has sickened at least ten others across four U.S. states.
A recent listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has resulted in the death of an infant and has sickened at least ten others across four U.S. states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the outbreak is connected to products from Yu Shang Food, Inc., based in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Details of the Outbreak
As of November 22, 2024, eleven individuals have been infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. The cases are distributed as follows:
- California: 7 cases, including the deceased infant.
- Illinois: 2 cases.
- New Jersey: 1 case.
- New York: 1 case.
All affected individuals identified themselves as having Asian heritage. Among the eleven cases, nine required hospitalization. Tragically, a pregnant woman in California was infected, leading to the death of her twin infants; however, only one of the deaths has been directly linked to listeria.
Source of Contamination
The outbreak has been traced to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. The contaminated items include:
- Chicken feet.
- Duck neck.
- Beef shank.
- Pork hock.
These products were distributed to retail locations nationwide and were also available for purchase online. The contamination was discovered in October during routine testing, which detected listeria in both the products and the production environment.
Recall and Consumer Guidance
In response to the findings, Yu Shang Food, Inc. has recalled over 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products. The recall includes all products with "Yu Shang" on the label, bearing establishment numbers "P46684" or "EST. M46684," produced prior to October 28, 2024.
Consumers are advised to:
- Check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products.
- Discard any identified recalled items or return them to the place of purchase.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products.
Understanding Listeriosis
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous for:
- Pregnant women and their newborns.
- Adults aged 65 or older.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms can vary but often include:
- Fever.
- Muscle aches.
- Nausea or diarrhea.
- Headache.
- Stiff neck.
- Confusion.
- Loss of balance.
- Convulsions.
Symptoms can appear within hours to up to three months after consuming contaminated food. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of listeriosis:
- Avoid consuming high-risk foods such as unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and ready-to-eat meat and poultry products unless they are thoroughly heated.
- Maintain proper refrigeration temperatures (below 40°F or 4°C).
- Practice good hygiene by washing hands, utensils, and food preparation surfaces regularly.
- Stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts from reliable sources like the CDC and USDA.
Conclusion
This outbreak underscores the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in monitoring and handling ready-to-eat products. Consumers should remain informed about recalls and adhere to recommended safety practices to protect themselves and their families from foodborne illnesses.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/meat-and-poultry-products-11-24.html
- https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/infant-dies-10-sickened-amid-listeria-outbreak-tied-to-ready-to-eat-meat/3704882/?os=vpkn75tqhopmkpsxtq&ref=app
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/yu-shang-food-inc--recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria