Listeria Outbreak from Chinese Food Kills 2 Babies, Infects 19 Others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two newborns have died as a result of a multistate Listeria outbreak linked to Yu Shang Food Inc.’s ready-to-eat pork and poultry products.
Nineteen people in eight states have become ill as a result of the outbreak, with most instances being related to contaminated products.
Yu Shang Food Inc. products were linked to the diseases, according to the inquiry, which involved CDC authorities and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
On November 9, 2024, the corporation began issuing recalls; on November 21, 2024, the recall was extended. Items that are impacted include prepared meat and poultry dishes that are frequently offered for sale in Asian markets.
There have been serious repercussions from the pandemic, especially for expectant mothers and newborns:
- A mother and her twins in California contracted an infection that killed both of them. Only one baby was counted because only one of them tested positive for the illness.
- Another mother and her baby became ill in Tennessee, and the baby died from the virus.
Of the 19 cases that were reported, 17 needed to be admitted to the hospital. Between October 24, 2021, and October 28, 2024, the illnesses were documented. According to health officials, the true number of cases may be greater because symptoms of Listeria can take weeks to manifest.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
A bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious sickness, especially in elderly adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with compromised immune systems. Fever, aches in the muscles, nausea, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms. In extreme situations, it may result in consequences such as septicemia or meningitis.
How It Spreads and Prevention
Contaminated food, especially fresh vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products, and ready-to-eat meats, can spread listeria. Officials advise avoiding unpasteurized items, preparing meat completely, and handling food with utmost hygiene in order to lower danger.
It is recommended that consumers look for recalled products and either return or discard them. Go to the CDC website for a complete list of goods that are impacted.
