CDC warns of Listeria linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products

Eleven people across four states have been infected with Listeria linked to Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, according to the CDC. The outbreak has caused nine hospitalizations and the death of one infant in California. Recalled items include pork hock, chicken feet, and duck neck.

Which products are linked to the Listeria outbreak?

The CDC reports that laboratory findings and interviews with sick individuals identify Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products as the source. These items have been recalled, though the agency warns some may still be in residential refrigerators or freezers.

Specific examples of recalled foods include pork tongue, beef shank, duck neck, pork feet, chicken feet, and pork hock. The CDC directs all questions regarding the recall to the USDA-FSIS.

Did You Know? Listeria is capable of surviving inside a refrigerator and can easily spread from contaminated products to other foods and surfaces.

Who is most at risk for severe infection?

According to the CDC, Listeria is especially harmful to people aged 65 or older, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. In these groups, the bacteria are more likely to spread beyond the gut to other body parts, causing a condition known as invasive listeriosis.

For pregnant people, the infection could lead to premature birth, pregnancy loss, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn. For the elderly or immunocompromised, the CDC states the infection often results in hospitalization and can lead to death.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the ability of Listeria to thrive in cold environments creates a significant risk for households. Because these are ready-to-eat products, the lack of a cooking step to kill the bacteria increases the stakes for high-risk populations who may not realize their food is contaminated.

What are the symptoms of Listeria infection?

Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of eating contaminated food, though the CDC notes they can start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks later.

Pregnant individuals usually experience tiredness, muscle aches, and fever. Non-pregnant people may experience those same symptoms, along with seizures, loss of balance, confusion, a stiff neck, or a headache.

How should consumers handle recalled foods?

The CDC advises consumers not to eat any recalled products. These items should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Because the bacteria can persist on surfaces, the agency recommends cleaning refrigerators, containers, and any surfaces that may have touched the recalled foods. Anyone experiencing symptoms after eating these products should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

What may happen next in this investigation?

Health officials may continue to monitor case counts across the four affected states. Further guidance from the USDA-FSIS could emerge as the recall process continues.

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State health departments may provide additional localized information for residents in the affected regions. Additional cleaning protocols could be suggested if more contaminated surfaces are identified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific Yu-Shang Food products were recalled?
Recalled items include pork hock, chicken feet, pork feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork tongue.

How long can it take for Listeria symptoms to appear?
Symptoms usually start within two weeks, but the CDC states they can appear anywhere from the same day to 10 weeks after exposure.

What should I do if I find these products in my freezer?
Do not eat them. You should either throw the products away or return them to the store where they were purchased.

Have you checked your refrigerator for recalled ready-to-eat meat products?