A tragic listeria outbreak has claimed the life of an infant and infected over 11 individuals across multiple states. The outbreak, linked to ready-to-eat meat products, has prompted an urgent recall by Yu Shang Food, a producer of various meat and poultry items.
On November 22, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided an update on the outbreak, which has left one infant dead and at least 11 others ill. The CDC’s findings reveal that the listeria infection was directly connected to Yu Shang Food’s ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, which have now been recalled due to contamination concerns.
The deceased infant was part of a twin pair, and both the infant and their mother tested positive for listeria. Tragically, the twin did not survive, and although listeria was present in one infant’s sample, it was not detected in the other’s. Another infant became sick, but fortunately recovered, the CDC reported.
The infected individuals come from various parts of the U.S., including New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and California. Of the 11 reported infections, the majority of individuals were elderly, with a median age of 64. The CDC has warned that the number of infections is likely higher than reported because some individuals recover without medical care or testing, and recent illnesses may not yet be included in the tally due to the time it takes to confirm cases.
The CDC also noted that seven of the infected individuals had reported shopping at markets that sold Yu Shang Food products, with two individuals confirming they had eaten Yu Shang Food chicken.
The outbreak was first flagged by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on October 21, 2024, after routine testing detected listeria contamination in Yu Shang Food products. This led to a recall on November 9, which was expanded on November 21 to include additional products.
The affected products include a wide range of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items under the Yu Shang label, with establishment numbers P46684 and EST. M46684. The recall includes over 20 products, such as “Braised Pork Belly in Brown Sauce,” “Seasoned Pork Snout Meat,” and “Seasoned Chicken Quarter Leg.” These products were produced before October 28, 2024, and have been removed from shelves.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain populations, including older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis can include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and in some cases, convulsions, often preceded by diarrhea. Pregnant women who contract listeriosis can experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
Antibiotics are used to treat listeriosis, and the CDC is urging anyone who has purchased the recalled products to discard them or return them to the store where they were bought.
The CDC has emphasized that anyone who experiences symptoms of listeriosis and has consumed Yu Shang Food products should seek medical attention immediately. While the outbreak remains under investigation, the recall is an essential step in preventing further cases and ensuring the safety of consumers across the U.S.