A tragic listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has resulted in the death of an infant in California and the illness of at least 10 other individuals across four states, according to federal health officials. The outbreak has been traced to products from Yu Shang Food, Inc., based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, prompting a recall of over 72,000 pounds of contaminated meat and poultry products.
The recalled products, which include items such as chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock, were distributed nationwide and available both in retail stores and online. These products were linked to the illnesses after routine testing detected listeria bacteria in the foods and the production environment in October 2024.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that of the 11 affected individuals, nine were hospitalized. The outbreak also claimed the lives of two infants, including one whose mother was pregnant with twins at the time. Listeria was found in a sample taken from one of the infants, and while the other twin died, it was not conclusively linked to the outbreak.
The affected products were initially recalled on November 9, but officials warn that some contaminated food items may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The CDC advises individuals who may have purchased these products to discard them or return them to the point of purchase. They also recommend thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled food.
Listeria poisoning can manifest with mild symptoms like fever, nausea, muscle aches, and diarrhea, but more severe cases can lead to neurological symptoms, including headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions. Vulnerable groups such as young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness.
As of this week, another listeria outbreak, linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, has been declared over. That outbreak, which occurred earlier this year, claimed 10 lives and affected many others.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing concern regarding foodborne illnesses and the importance of vigilance in food safety practices.
Sources By Agencies
