A tragic listeria outbreak has claimed the life of a California infant and sickened at least 10 others across four states, according to federal health officials. The outbreak is linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock, produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc., a Spartanburg, South Carolina-based company.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that more than 72,000 pounds of these products have been recalled, following initial action on November 9. These items were distributed to retail locations nationwide and sold online. Routine testing in October detected listeria in the foods and the production environment, prompting further investigation.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that of the 11 reported cases, nine people required hospitalization. Interviews with affected people and laboratory findings have tied the illnesses to Yu Shang Food products.

Despite the recall, officials warn that some of the contaminated products might still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The USDA advises discarding these items or returning them to the place of purchase. Additionally, refrigerators, storage containers, and other surfaces that came into contact with the recalled foods should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent further contamination.

Listeria poisoning occurs when people consume food contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, listeria can cause headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

The infection is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including infants, pregnant women, people aged over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may appear within hours or days after consuming contaminated food, but in some cases, they can take weeks or even months to manifest.

This outbreak comes on the heels of another listeria outbreak tied to Boar’s Head Deli meats earlier this year. That outbreak caused 10 fatalities and sickened dozens. Although it has officially ended, it highlights the ongoing risks associated with listeria contamination in ready-to-eat foods.

Health officials urge consumers to remain vigilant about food safety and check their refrigerators for potentially contaminated products. The CDC continues to monitor the situation and advises that early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for managing listeria infections.

Listeria poisoning, caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, can present a range of symptoms that vary in severity. The onset of symptoms depends on the individual’s health and immune system strength, as well as the level of contamination. Below are the most common symptoms:

These symptoms are often mistaken for other common illnesses and can appear within a few hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food:

- Fever

- Muscle aches

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Diarrhoea

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