SPARTANBURG, S.C. – In a recent outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meat products from Yu Shang Food, an infant from California has tragically passed away, with at least 10 others falling ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cases have surfaced in various states, including California, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York, between July and October. The CDC noted that the actual number of individuals affected by the outbreak could be higher than reported due to some cases going untested.
In California, a particularly heart-wrenching case involved infant twins and their pregnant mother, who all fell ill. Regrettably, both twins later succumbed to the infection, although only one fatality was officially included in the CDC’s case count. As investigations continue, interviews with those affected reveal that several visited markets selling Yu Shang Food items or consumed the brand’s chicken products.
Following routine tests last month, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service discovered listeria in a Yu Shang Food product, prompting the company to issue a recall of over 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products. The recall encompasses various items such as pork belly, duck, beef shank, chicken feet, and chicken gizzards with specific expiration dates.
Listeria bacteria can pose severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection vary and may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and more. The CDC advises individuals to dispose of any recalled products and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with them.
This recall from Yu Shang Food follows a similar incident involving BrucePac and their 11 million pounds of recalled ready-to-eat meat and poultry items due to listeria concerns. While this year has seen multiple significant recalls, food safety agencies in the U.S. have made strides in detecting foodborne bacteria more effectively. Experts emphasize the importance of ongoing vigilance in monitoring food safety practices to prevent future outbreaks.
