A serious listeria outbreak linked to Yu Shang Foods has resulted in a significant product recall after causing illnesses and a tragic loss of life.
At a Glance
- A California infant succumbed to a listeria outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
- Seventy-two thousand pounds of meat and poultry recalled by Yu Shang Food Inc.
- Eleven people across four states infected, with nine requiring hospitalization.
- Routine testing found listeria in Yu Shang Food’s products.
- Affected products should be returned or discarded.
Listeria Outbreak Impact
The listeria outbreak linked to Yu Shang Foods has reached across state lines, impacting individuals in California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey. Tragically, the outbreak led to the death of a California infant and has left at least nine others hospitalized. The situation involves over 72,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meats, including chicken, duck, and pork, prompting a recall.
According to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recall came as a response to an outbreak traced back to these products. Testing revealed listeria contamination, contributing to the decision to remove the affected products from shelves. Consumers should check for the Yu Shang labels with establishment numbers “P46684” or “EST. M46684”.
Listeria Outbreak: 11 people are sick in 4 states, with 1 death. Check your home for recalled Yu Shang ready-to-eat meat products. Do not eat recalled products and throw them away.
See the notice for a full list of recalled Yu Shang products. https://t.co/TkRsSWklVu#CDC… pic.twitter.com/t1U0OY1K4c
— CDC (@CDCgov) November 22, 2024
Health Concerns and Recommendations
Individuals who have purchased these products are advised to either discard or return them, and clean areas of potential contamination. Symptoms of listeria can begin within two weeks of consumption and range from headache and muscle aches to severe complications for those at higher risk.
“In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.” – Food and Safety Inspection Service
Older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to serious disease outcomes. Health officials stress the importance of prompt medical intervention, as listeria infections can generally be treated effectively with antibiotics.
A recall involving a SC-based company's products has expanded. Yu Shang Food is recalling 72,240 pounds of ready-to-eat meat after a listeria outbreak caused at least 11 illnesses and one infant death across multiple states.https://t.co/83sJCPaL0L
— Vanessa Ruffes (@VanessaRuffes) November 24, 2024
Investigation and Ongoing Risk
The outbreak, which appears to have begun in 2021 based on current findings, indicates possible ongoing issues in food preparation and storage. Health agencies, including the CDC, continue to monitor the situation closely and have warned that the true number of infections may be higher and not limited to currently reported states.
As listeria is notably the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S., with approximately 1,600 infections and 200 deaths annually, vigilance remains essential. Consumers should heed warnings and safety instructions from health officials to prevent further spread and impact of this outbreak.
Sources:
California infant dies from listeria amid outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meat products
US listeria outbreak kills infant and prompts recall of meat products
Infant Dies In Multistate Listeria Outbreak Linked To Ready-To-Eat Meats
