California Listeria Outbreak: Contaminated Meat Claims Infant’s Life, Sparks Nationwide Alert

A listeria outbreak tied to contaminated ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has resulted in the death of a California infant and left at least 10 others ill across four states, federal health officials reported on Friday.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a recall of over 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products distributed by Yu Shang Food, Inc., based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The recalled items, which include chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock, were sold nationwide through retail stores and online. The recall follows routine testing in October that identified listeria in both the food and the production facility.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nine of the 11 affected individuals have been hospitalized. Interviews with the sickened individuals and laboratory findings linked the illnesses to Yu Shang Food products.

While the products have been recalled, officials warn that some may still be in consumer refrigerators or freezers. Authorities advise discarding the items or returning them to the place of purchase. Additionally, consumers should clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the contaminated foods.

Listeria infection, caused by consuming food tainted with the bacteria, can manifest with mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, more severe cases may involve headaches, stiff necks, confusion, and convulsions. The bacteria pose the highest risk to infants, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

The CDC noted that listeria poisoning can be unpredictable, with symptoms appearing within hours or taking up to three months to develop after exposure.

In a separate outbreak earlier this year, deli meats from Boar’s Head were linked to 10 deaths and numerous illnesses. That outbreak has since been declared over.

Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and follow recall guidelines to prevent further illnesses.