Infant passes away, 10 fall ill in listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat

A listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat meat products produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. in South Carolina has resulted in the death of an infant and sickness in 10 adults across four states. The outbreak has affected individuals with Asian heritage, including a pregnant mother and her twin infants. One of the twins died, and while listeria was found in the mother and one twin, it could not be confirmed in the other infant. Another unrelated infant also became ill but recovered. The outbreak prompted a recall of nearly two dozen meat products, including items like “Braised Pork Belly In Brown Sauce” and “Seasoned Chicken Quarter Leg.” Some affected individuals reported shopping at markets where Yu Shang Food products are sold, and two specifically recalled eating chicken from the company. The recall was initiated after Listeria monocytogenes was discovered in products during a USDA inspection, with a genetic footprint indicating the same source for all cases in the outbreak. Consumers were urged to discard any recalled products and clean their refrigerators and freezers. Listeria can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations like older adults, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, confusion, and diarrhea, with potential for fatal infections in certain groups.

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