72,000 Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Recalled Amid Fatal Listeria Outbreak

A deadly listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food Inc. has resulted in 11 reported illnesses across four states, including nine hospitalizations and one death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In response, the company, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is recalling over 72,000 pounds of its products due to potential listeria contamination.

The recall applies to all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products manufactured before October 28, as announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). These products were distributed nationwide to retailers and were also available for purchase online.

Routine testing conducted last month by FSIS identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products, prompting the recall. Genetic sequencing is currently underway to confirm whether the identified bacteria match the strain involved in the outbreak.

So far, seven cases of illness have been reported in California, two in Illinois, and one each in New York and New Jersey. Among the cases in California, one pregnant individual and their twins were affected, leading to the tragic deaths of both infants.

While listeria was confirmed in samples from the mother and one twin, the other infant's sample did not yield the bacteria. Consequently, only the mother and one twin are officially included in the confirmed cases linked to the outbreak. Additionally, another infant in California fell ill but has since recovered.

The CDC warns that the actual number of cases could be higher, as many affected individuals may recover without seeking medical attention, and it can take weeks to confirm whether a case is part of an outbreak.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised not to consume them. Instead, the CDC recommends disposing of the items or returning them to the place of purchase.

Additionally, any containers, utensils, or surfaces that came into contact with these products should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.

Listeria, a dangerous bacterium, causes listeriosis, which is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, but severe cases can lead to more serious conditions such as stiff neck, headaches, confusion, and seizures. Those most at risk of severe outcomes are older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you or someone you know has consumed the recalled products and developed symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical care immediately.

Early treatment is especially important for high-risk individuals, including pregnant women, who may experience serious complications, such as miscarriages, stillbirths, or severe infections in newborns.

Yu Shang Food has not yet responded to media inquiries, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance during outbreaks like this, as swift identification and removal of contaminated food are critical to preventing further illnesses and fatalities.