Recent listeria outbreaks connected to ready-to-eat meat products have emerged in four states, resulting in the tragic death of one infant and the illness of ten adults, according to health officials.
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, the outbreak has been traced back to prepared meats produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc., located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
In total, there have been cases reported in New York and New Jersey, as well as two cases in Illinois and seven in California, the latter including the fatality. All affected individuals reportedly share Asian ethnic backgrounds, as per the CDC’s findings.
The deceased infant was one of twins, while a sibling also perished; however, experts could not find a connection to listeria in these incidents. The twins’ mother was also affected but has since recovered, the CDC noted.
“Samples taken from the mother and one of the twin infants tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, but not the other twin,” the update explained.
Additionally, another infant who appears unrelated to the twins became ill but has made a full recovery.
Current data from the CDC indicates that out of the eight infected individuals, seven had purchased items from a market that sold Yu Shang Foods products, and two specifically remembered consuming chicken made by this company.
The contamination was detected during a routine inspection at the Yu Shang food processing plant by USDA inspectors on October 21, which subsequently led to a recall issued on November 9 and a subsequent expanded recall earlier this week.
USDA representatives stated that Listeria monocytogenes was found in various meat products originating from the plant.
The CDC’s investigation has established a common genetic marker for the listeria strain in these cases, indicating that those affected likely consumed the same contaminated product.
The Department of Agriculture has identified approximately 24 varieties of processed meats included in the recall, such as “braised pork belly in brown sauce,” “seasoned chicken quarter leg,” and “braised beef shank.”
All meat products manufactured before October 28 are included in the recall and bear the inspection seal “P-46684” or “EST. M46684.”
These products are available for sale at a minimum of four retail outlets, including 99 Ranch Market.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises consumers who have these recalled products to discard them. The CDC also recommends thorough cleaning of the freezers and refrigerators that housed these items.
Listeria monocytogenes exposure can lead to severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns, noted the USDA.
According to the CDC, listeria infections rank as the third leading cause of foodborne-related fatalities in the United States.
Symptoms of listeriosis can manifest as fever, muscle aches, headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, balance issues, seizures, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are at risk of transmitting the infection to their newborns, while the elderly are susceptible to serious and potentially fatal infections.
