Urgent health warning: 72,000 pounds of meat recalled due to listeria outbreak across 4 states

Serious Health Alert: Expanding Listeria Outbreak in the United States

Federal authorities have ordered a nationwide recall of more than 72,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. These products are from Yu Shang Food, Inc., and linked to an outbreak that has left at least 11 people ill in four states. There have been nine hospitalizations so far and two reported deaths of infants in California. The USDA and the CDC are working together to find out just how far-reaching the outbreak is.

Listeria is a potentially deadly bacteria that poses significant risks for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from flu-like symptoms to life-threatening infections that may result in miscarriage or death.

What products were recalled?

Various ready-to-eat chicken, beef, and pork were made between March and October 2024 and were shipped everywhere. Consumers should check their freezers for any of these products with the USDA recall identifiers and throw away those items. The items could have been sold in big supermarkets and online stores.

The tainted products were uncovered after routine testing by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which identified the outbreak strain using genetic sequencing.

What Are the Risks of Contracting Listeria?

Listeria infections can have devastating effects, particularly for specific groups:

• Pregnant Individuals: There is a risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
• Older Adults: There is a higher likelihood of meningitis or severe bloodstream infections.
• Immunocompromised Individuals: There is an increased vulnerability to severe symptoms.

These would include symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and confusion. If anyone has consumed the recalled products and is experiencing these symptoms, they should immediately seek medical attention.

What Actions Should Regular Consumers Take?

To keep yourself and your family safe, follow these recommendations:

• Check the Labels: Look for the establishment number “EST. 35638″ and the production dates listed in the recall notice.
• Eliminate Contaminated Products: The necessary measures include disposing safely of recalled products or returning them to the store for a refund.
• Clean Surfaces: In order to prevent cross-contamination, areas and containers that may have contacted the contaminated food need to be disinfected.

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How to Avoid Future Risks with Possibly Contaminated Foods:

Listeria lives in cold temperatures, making it highly hazardous in ready-to-eat foods. In order to reduce the risk, follow these suggestions:

• Always reheat ready-to-eat meats to an internal temperature of at least 165°F, even if labeled as “pre-cooked.”
• Store perishable items at safe temperatures below 40°F.
• Regularly clean and disinfect your refrigerator.

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What Has the CDC Said, and What’s Next?

The CDC cautions that the actual number may be higher, given a lot of people would end up recovering without having gone to the hospital or having tested for Listeria. Investigations continue in terms of tracing the network within which the products were distributed, along with finding more cases.

Public health agencies have extended their recall efforts, which are advising consumers to keep alert.

*This article was written in Spanish and translated with the help of AI.