Table of Contents
- Overview of the Listeria Outbreak
- States Affected and Case Details
- Yu Shang Food Recall Details
- Inspection Findings and Contaminated Products
- Health Risks of Listeria Infection
- Precautions and Recommendations
Overview of the Listeria Outbreak
An infant has died, and 10 adults have been sickened in a four-state listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat meat products manufactured by Yu Shang Food, Inc., based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the outbreak in an update released Friday, emphasizing its link to the contaminated meat products sold by the company.
States Affected and Case Details
The outbreak spans four states:
- New York: 1 case
- New Jersey: 1 case
- Illinois: 2 cases
- California: 7 cases
Among those sickened, all identified as having Asian heritage. Tragically, the deceased infant, part of a twin birth, succumbed to listeriosis, while the sibling’s death was not conclusively linked to the outbreak. Another unrelated infant also contracted the illness but recovered. The pregnant mother of the twins was among those infected but has since recovered.
Yu Shang Food Recall Details
Yu Shang Food initiated a recall on November 9, 2024, which was expanded on November 23, following further investigations. Contaminated products were produced before October 28 and include items like:
- Braised Pork Belly in Brown Sauce
- Seasoned Chicken Quarter Leg
- Braised Beef Shank
These products are marked with USDA inspection hallmarks “P-46684” or “EST. M46684”. Consumers are advised to dispose of these products immediately.
Inspection Findings and Contaminated Products
The outbreak’s origin was uncovered during a USDA routine inspection on October 21. Listeria monocytogenes were found on products produced at the Yu Shang Food facility. Genetic analysis confirmed a common source for the infections, tying all cases to the same food products.
The recalled products were distributed by retailers including 99 Ranch Market and others. The CDC identified Yu Shang Food products as a direct link in seven of the 10 cases, with two individuals specifically recalling eating the company’s seasoned chicken.
Health Risks of Listeria Infection
Listeriosis is a severe foodborne illness, ranked third in causing foodborne-related deaths in the U.S. It poses significant risks, particularly to:
- Older adults
- Pregnant women and newborns
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Symptoms Include:
- Fever, muscle aches, and headaches
- Stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance
- Diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress
For pregnant women, it can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infection of newborns. Among older adults and immunocompromised individuals, it may lead to fatal infections.
Precautions and Recommendations
The CDC and USDA recommend:
- Disposing of recalled products immediately.
- Cleaning freezers, refrigerators, and surfaces that came into contact with contaminated food.
- Monitoring for symptoms of listeriosis if exposed.
- Seeking medical attention promptly for severe symptoms or if part of an at-risk group.
Consumers should remain vigilant, especially when purchasing ready-to-eat products, and adhere to food safety guidelines to mitigate risks of contamination.
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