A significant listeria outbreak has emerged, linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from a South Carolina food processor. This has led to 11 illnesses in four states, with nine hospitalizations. A pregnant woman with twins was among the sickened, and both fetuses died, yet listeria was found in a sample from only one.
Traced to Yu Shang Food Inc
The outbreak was traced back to Yu Shang Food Inc, a Spartanburg-based company. Its products were distributed nationwide and were available online. A recall of 72,000lbs of meat and poultry products was issued due to possible listeria contamination. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria causes listeriosis, a common form of food poisoning that poses risks to pregnant women, children, and those over 65.In California, seven listeria cases were reported, along with two in Illinois and one each in New York and New Jersey. Many people reported shopping at markets where Yu Shang products were sold or eating their ready-to-eat chicken. For instance, in California, one pregnant person and their twins fell ill, and listeria was found in a sample from the mother and one twin fetus but not the other. Another listeria illness was reported in a fetus that recovered.The company claimed that although the woman reported eating their products before falling ill, there was no proof of causation. However, the FSIS determined a link between Yu Shang's ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and the illness clusters. The agency is concerned that some of the products may still be in consumers' refrigerators and freezers."Consumers who have purchased these products are strongly advised not to consume them. These products should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase," the agency emphasized.Just days after this listeria outbreak, organic carrots were recalled due to E. coli contamination. Products from Grimmway Farms sold at Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Target were connected to 39 E. coli infections, including 15 hospitalizations and one death. On Wednesday, F&S Fresh Foods recalled two Whole Foods Market products produced by the same supplier.This listeria outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of strict food safety measures and the need for vigilant monitoring of food products to protect the health of consumers.