A multistate Listeria outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food Inc. has resulted in the deaths of two infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak has infected 19 people in eight states, with the majority of cases involving individuals who have eaten contaminated items.
The inquiry, which included CDC investigators and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), linked the diseases to Yu Shang Food Inc. products.
The business initiated a recall on November 9 and expanded it on November 21, 2024. Items affected include ready-to-eat meat and poultry dishes often found in Asian markets.
The outbreak has had serious repercussions, particularly for pregnant women and newborns:
- In California, a mother and her twins were infected, leading to the deaths of both infants. Only one infant tested positive for the disease, so only one was counted.
- In Tennessee, another mother and her infant fell ill, with the infant succumbing to the infection.
Seventeen out of the 19 documented cases required hospitalization. Health officials reported the infections between October 24, 2021, and October 28, 2024. Because Listeria symptoms can take weeks to develop, health officials suspect the true number of cases could be higher.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious sickness, especially in pregnant women, babies, elderly persons, and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include a fever, muscle pains, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe circumstances, the condition may lead to consequences such as meningitis or septicemia.
How It Spreads and Prevention
Listeria can spread through contaminated food, particularly ready-to-eat meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw vegetables. To prevent danger, experts recommend thoroughly cooking meat, avoiding unpasteurized goods, and maintaining proper food hygiene.
Consumers should check for recalled products and destroy or return them. Visit the CDC website to get a complete list of affected items.