Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meat and Poultry Products
Infant Death and Multiple Cases of Food Poisoning
An infant was killed and at least 10 others were sickened by an outbreak of listeria food poisoning connected to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, health officials announced Friday.
Recall Issued for Over 72,000 Pounds of Meat and Poultry Products
Yu Shang Food, Inc., of South Carolina, recalled more than 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products tied to the outbreak, according to the US Agriculture Department. This massive recall expands upon the roughly 4,600 pounds of food it recalled earlier this month.
Tainted Foods Shipped Nationwide
The tainted foods, which include chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock, were shipped to retailers nationwide and were available for online purchase.
Infant’s Death Linked to Listeria
The infant who was killed was a twin whose sibling also died, but whose death could not be linked to listeria. Their pregnant mother was also sick, but recovered, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
Listeria Found in Samples
Listeria was found in a sample from the mother and from one of the twin infants, but it could not be found in a sample from the other infant. "Because of this, only the mother and one twin are included as confirmed cases in this outbreak," the CDC said.
Other Cases Linked to Listeria
The outbreak was linked to New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, although the majority of the cases were in California. All 11 cases identified themselves as having Asian heritage, according to the CDC.
Vulnerable Population at Risk
Those most vulnerable to getting sick include the very young, people older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant, according to officials.
Prevention and Treatment
The problem was first discovered in October after routine tests detected listeria in the foods and the production environment, leading to the first round of recalls on November 9. Listeria can cause mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious illnesses can include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Conclusion
The outbreak highlights the importance of proper food handling and safety protocols to prevent the spread of listeria. It is crucial for individuals to discard or return the recalled products and take steps to prevent foodborne illness.
FAQs
Q: What is listeria?
A: Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Q: Who is most vulnerable to getting sick from listeria?
A: The very young, people older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant are most vulnerable.
Q: How can I prevent foodborne illness?
A: Proper food handling and safety protocols, such as storing food at the correct temperature and avoiding cross-contamination, can help prevent foodborne illness.
Q: What should I do if I have a recalled product?
A: Discard or return the recalled product to the place of purchase to prevent foodborne illness.
