Infant Dies in California Listeria Outbreak from Ready-to-Eat Meat Products
An infant in California has tragically died due to a Listeria infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. The outbreak, linked to contaminated ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, has also infected 10 other individuals across four states.
The CDC revealed that seven cases have been reported in California, two in Illinois, and one each in New York and New Jersey. Nine people have required hospitalization, but officials believe the actual number of infections could be higher, as some individuals recover without seeking medical care, and symptoms can take weeks to appear.
The implicated products — including pork hock, chicken feet, and beef shank — have been recalled, but the CDC warns that some items may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The public is urged to discard or return these products and thoroughly clean any containers or surfaces that may have come into contact with them, as Listeria bacteria can survive in refrigerated conditions and spread easily.
Yu Shang Food has issued an apology and stated it is working closely with food safety authorities to prevent future incidents. The recall covers approximately 72,240 pounds of meat and poultry items produced before October 28. These were distributed nationwide to retail stores and online.
Who Is at Risk?
Listeria infection poses a significant risk to:
- Pregnant women (potentially causing miscarriages or premature births)
- Those over 65
- Individuals with weak immune systems
Symptoms, which may appear between 1 and 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food, include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
The CDC urges anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming affected products to seek medical attention immediately.
About Listeria
Listeria is the third leading cause of foodborne illness-related deaths in the U.S., causing approximately 260 deaths and 1,600 infections annually. Previous outbreaks have been linked to deli meats, cheeses, salad greens, and ice cream.
Stay vigilant and check your refrigerators and freezers for potentially contaminated products. For more information, visit the CDC’s Listeria outbreak page.
🧼 Stay Safe: Regularly clean your kitchen surfaces and containers to prevent cross-contamination.
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