An outbreak of listeria tied to ready-to-eat meat products from Yu Shang Food, Inc., located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has so far killed an infant and sickened 10 adults in four states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The outbreak has affected individuals in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and California, with California reporting seven cases, including the deceased child. All those impacted identify as being of Asian heritage, the CDC noted.
The deceased infant was one of a set of twins; Listeria was found in the mother and one twin but not in the other, so death cannot be confirmed as being listeria-related. Another infant is separately reported to have become ill but has since recovered.
The CDC mentioned that a genetic evaluation of the listeria strain indicates the infections came from the same origin. Yu Shang Food’s pre-cooked meats, such as its “Seasoned Chicken Quarter Leg” and “Braised Pork Belly in Brown Sauce, ” were found contaminated by a routine USDA check in October led to a recall of 4,500 pounds. The over 72,000 pounds recalls were expanded on November 9.
Consumers should destroy any products that are affected. Affected products will bear the establishment number “P-46684” or “EST. M46684” within the USDA mark. Refrigerators and freezers that hold these products should also be cleaned.
Listeria poses a serious threat, mainly to the elderly, pregnant women, and people who have a weakened immune system. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, and stomach discomfort. The USDA asks anyone who develops flu-like symptoms following consumption of contaminated items to consult a doctor.
Yu Shang Food has closed down its operations and promised to upgrade sanitation practices that will prevent further contamination. Authorities are taking their time to ensure public safety in this case.
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