Increased Cases and Fatalities Anticipated in Listeria Contamination Traced to Chinese Food; CDC Advises to Inspect Your Refrigerator
Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Recall Puts Public Health at Risk
A listeria outbreak, linked to products from Yu Shang Food, Inc., is causing alarm, with three infant deaths and 19 people sickened across eight states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely, expecting more cases and fatalities due to listeria's lengthy incubation period.
The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) detected contamination on October 21, 2024, during routine testing. Initial recalls on November 9 were expanded to over 72,000 pounds on November 21.
Suspect products include pork hock, chicken feet, pork feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork tongue. These items were distributed nationwide to retailers and online shoppers.
California and Tennessee have been hit particularly hard, with a mother and twins, and a mother and infant contracting listeriosis, leading to the deaths of both infants. Other cases have popped up in California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee.
Consumer advisories urge people to check their fridges and freezers for affected Yu Shang Food products, disposing of them immediately. Surfaces and utensils should be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate listeria bacteria, which can thrive in cold environments.
The CDC warns that the actual number of cases could be higher, owing to listeria’s long incubation period, which can last up to 70 days. Furthermore, pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk from this potentially deadly bacteria.
Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal distress to severe neurological complications. Consumers are advised to join The Food Alert to receive updates on food recalls, unusual ingredients, and the latest food science to safeguard their families.
For more on this story, take a look at:- The 5 Most Deadly Food Recalls of 2024- A Family of Four Dead in Deadly Chinese Food Listeria Outbreak- Nursing Home Listeria Outbreak Claims 11 Lives, Sickens 38
Stay informed, stay safe!
- The outbreak of Listeria, linked to products from Yu Shang Food, Inc., is a grave concern, given three infant deaths and 19 people falling ill across eight states.
- Chronic diseases and medical conditions, such as pregnancy, old age, and compromised immune systems, make individuals more vulnerable to the potentially deadly effects of Listeria.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation, anticipating more cases and fatalities due to Listeria's lengthy incubation period of up to 70 days.
- Recent recalls of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, affected by Listeria contamination, have expanded to over 72,000 pounds, distributed nationwide.
- Suspect products include pork hock, chicken feet, pork feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork tongue, all of which pose a significant health risk when consumed.
- Consumers are urged to practice general health and wellness measures by checking their fridges and freezers for affected Yu Shang Food products, disposing of them immediately, and thoroughly cleaning surfaces and utensils to eliminate Listeria bacteria.
- Mental health is equally important in these challenging times, as worrying about one's health and the health of loved ones can take a toll. Seek help if needed, and remember that taking care of one's mental health is an essential aspect of overall health and wellness.
- Mental health, physical fitness and exercise, nutrition, and healthy cooking practices can all contribute to a balanced lifestyle. Stay up-to-date on the latest food science, nutrition, and general news to make informed decisions about food choices that support your health and well-being.
- To minimize the risks of future food-borne illnesses, consider subscribing to tools like The Food Alert, which provide updates on food recalls, unusual ingredients, and the latest food science to safeguard your family.
- One must also stay informed about crime and justice issues, as listeria outbreaks can sometimes raise questions about food production processes and safety standards. Understanding these matters is crucial for making informed choices about the food you consume.
