A listeria outbreak tied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has prompted Yu Shang Food, Inc. to recall more than 72,000 pounds of food items, federal officials announced Friday. The outbreak, spanning four states, has caused 11 illnesses, nine hospitalizations, and the death of an infant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The affected products, including chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock, were produced by Yu Shang Food at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, facility and distributed to retailers nationwide. Some of the items were also sold online. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) stated that all ready-to-eat products manufactured before October 28 are included in the recall.
"The problem was discovered in October after routine tests detected listeria in the foods and the production environment," the FSIS said. Investigations by federal health officials linked the outbreak to Yu Shang Food products. "Interviews with people who were sickened and laboratory findings pointed to the Yu Shang Food products," the CDC added.
The most severe cases have been reported in California, where seven illnesses occurred, including one involving a pregnant woman and her twins. Tragically, both infants died, though only the mother and one twin were included in the confirmed case count. Illinois has reported two cases, while New York and New Jersey have each reported one case.
The CDC noted that the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported. "Officials say the true number of cases is probably higher because some sick people recover without medical care and because it usually takes a few weeks to determine if a case is part of an outbreak," the agency stated.
Yu Shang Food issued a statement defending its position, saying, "Although the woman reported eating the company's products before she became ill, there was no proof that they were the cause." Despite this, the company has complied with federal authorities in issuing the recall.
Consumers are urged to take precautions with the recalled products. "Anyone who has these recalled products should not eat them. Throw them out or return them to where you bought them," the FSIS advised. The agency also recommended cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the contaminated food.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and in severe cases, stiff neck, confusion, and seizures.
"Listeria poisoning is tricky because symptoms can start quickly, within a few hours or days after eating contaminated food, but they also can take weeks or up to three months to show up," health officials warned. The CDC urged anyone who develops symptoms and suspects they consumed the affected products to seek medical care immediately.
The outbreak is the second high-profile listeria case this year. Earlier this summer, an outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meats resulted in 10 deaths and dozens of illnesses, according to the CDC.
