SPARTANBURG, South Carolina – A listeria outbreak associated with ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food Inc. has led to 11 illnesses across four states, resulting in nine hospitalizations and the tragic death of an infant, as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yu Shang, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is recalling over 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products due to potential listeria contamination. The recall encompasses all ready-to-eat products manufactured before October 28, distributed nationwide to various retailers and online platforms, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
After routine testing and subsequent investigations conducted last month by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, it was confirmed that the products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Sequencing is currently underway to determine if there is a link between the bacteria strain found in the products and the illness outbreak.
The CDC has reported seven illnesses in California, two in Illinois, and one each in New York and New Jersey as part of this listeria outbreak. Investigators have interviewed eight individuals regarding their illnesses, with seven disclosing that they had shopped at markets selling Yu Shang products either in person or online. Two individuals reported consuming Yu Shang ready-to-eat chicken.
In a heartbreaking development, a pregnant individual in California and their twins fell ill, with the infants unfortunately passing away. Listeria was detected in a sample from the mother and one of the twins, but not in the other twin. As a result, only the mother and one twin are classified as confirmed cases in this outbreak. Additionally, another case of Listeria illness was reported in an infant who became sick but eventually recovered.
Yu Shang released a statement to address the situation, asserting that while the affected woman had consumed their products before falling ill, there is no definitive proof that their products caused the illness. Furthermore, officials caution that the actual number of cases could be higher, as some affected individuals may recover without seeking medical attention, and it typically takes a few weeks to establish whether a case is linked to an outbreak.
Listeria bacteria can cause listeriosis, the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States. Symptoms of the infection include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and in severe cases, a stiff neck, headache, confusion, or seizures. Those most vulnerable to severe outcomes are older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. If symptoms develop after potentially consuming the recalled products, prompt medical care is advised.
