Deadly alert: More victims claimed by the listeria outbreak linked to these popular ready-to-eat meats!
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The joy of life is often accompanied by a heightened sense of protection for ourselves and our loved ones because of how many risks lie out there. But sometimes, danger lurks in the most unexpected places, such as our kitchen pantries.
A recent listeria outbreak has cast a shadow over the safety of certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, leading to tragic consequences, including the death of an infant. You can never be too careful, so knowing what’s safe for your little ones should be of paramount importance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a multi-state listeria outbreak with a total of eleven people infected across four states.
Among these cases, nine individuals have been hospitalized, and an infant from California has tragically passed away. The outbreak has been linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The outbreak has predominantly affected California, with seven reported cases, while Illinois, New York, and New Jersey have each reported one case. The ages of those infected range from less than one year old to 86 years old, with a median age of 64.
The CDC has highlighted the vulnerability of infants to listeria, as evidenced by the infant who died and his pregnant mother, both of whom were infected. The infant had a twin who also passed away, although listeria was not detected in the twin's sample and is not counted in the outbreak.
"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," the CDC says.
Yu Shang Food recalled around 72,240 pounds of their products due to potential listeria contamination last November 9, which expanded by November 21. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has identified the recalled foods as those made before October 28, bearing the number “P-46684” or “EST. M46684” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
These products were distributed to retail locations nationwide and sold online, which include pork hock, chicken feet, pork feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork tongue, among others.
The FSIS advises anyone with these products to throw them away or return them to the place where you bought them. Furthermore, all surfaces that the products touched must be thoroughly cleaned, as listeria can survive in the refrigerator and other cooler temperatures, risking the contamination of other food.
According to their report, this problem was brought to light when a finished food product from Yu Shang Food tested positive for listeria last October 21. It was also found in additional testing of the product and environmental samples.
"Working in conjunction with public health partners, the FSIS determined that there is a link between the ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, Inc. and an illness cluster," the FSIS reports.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, is particularly dangerous for certain groups, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeria infection can appear within two weeks after consuming contaminated food and may include fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
The CDC urges anyone who develops symptoms after consuming the affected products to seek medical attention immediately.
Do you have any tips on food safety? How do you check if your food is safe to eat? Please share them in the comments below!
A recent listeria outbreak has cast a shadow over the safety of certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, leading to tragic consequences, including the death of an infant. You can never be too careful, so knowing what’s safe for your little ones should be of paramount importance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a multi-state listeria outbreak with a total of eleven people infected across four states.
Among these cases, nine individuals have been hospitalized, and an infant from California has tragically passed away. The outbreak has been linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The outbreak has predominantly affected California, with seven reported cases, while Illinois, New York, and New Jersey have each reported one case. The ages of those infected range from less than one year old to 86 years old, with a median age of 64.
An infant has tragically died in a listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, with a total of eleven people infected across four states. Image source: Dietitians Online via Facebook.
The CDC has highlighted the vulnerability of infants to listeria, as evidenced by the infant who died and his pregnant mother, both of whom were infected. The infant had a twin who also passed away, although listeria was not detected in the twin's sample and is not counted in the outbreak.
"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," the CDC says.
Yu Shang Food recalled around 72,240 pounds of their products due to potential listeria contamination last November 9, which expanded by November 21. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has identified the recalled foods as those made before October 28, bearing the number “P-46684” or “EST. M46684” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
These products were distributed to retail locations nationwide and sold online, which include pork hock, chicken feet, pork feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork tongue, among others.
The FSIS advises anyone with these products to throw them away or return them to the place where you bought them. Furthermore, all surfaces that the products touched must be thoroughly cleaned, as listeria can survive in the refrigerator and other cooler temperatures, risking the contamination of other food.
According to their report, this problem was brought to light when a finished food product from Yu Shang Food tested positive for listeria last October 21. It was also found in additional testing of the product and environmental samples.
"Working in conjunction with public health partners, the FSIS determined that there is a link between the ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, Inc. and an illness cluster," the FSIS reports.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, is particularly dangerous for certain groups, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeria infection can appear within two weeks after consuming contaminated food and may include fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
The CDC urges anyone who develops symptoms after consuming the affected products to seek medical attention immediately.
Do you have any tips on food safety? How do you check if your food is safe to eat? Please share them in the comments below!
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