An outbreak of listeria linked to ready-to-eat meat products produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. has resulted in the death of an infant and the sickness of 10 adults across four states. The CDC reported that one person each in New York and New Jersey, two in Illinois, and seven in California, including the child who died, were affected. The infant who died was a twin whose sibling also died, but their death could not be definitively linked to listeria. Another unrelated infant became ill but recovered.
The contaminated products were discovered during a routine inspection of the Yu Shang Food plant by USDA inspectors, leading to a recall in November. The recall includes nearly two dozen varieties of prepared meat, such as Braised Pork Belly In Brown Sauce and Seasoned Chicken Quarter Leg, produced before Oct. 28.
The CDC investigators determined a genetic footprint for listeria in the outbreak, indicating that all cases were linked to the same source. The recalled products were sold at various retailers, including 99 Ranch Market, and customers were urged to discard them to prevent illness. Listeria infection can be life-threatening, particularly for older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, confusion, and diarrhea, leading to fatal infections in the elderly and potentially infecting newborns in pregnant women.
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