2024-11-23 00:08:00
An outbreak of listeria poisoning linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, including chicken feet, duck necks, beef legs and pork knuckles, has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 people in California, federal health officials said. Friday.
Yushang Food Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has recalled more than 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products related to the outbreak, according to the Department of Agriculture. Some of the products were initially recalled on November 9.
The food is distributed to retail locations across the country and can be purchased online. Illnesses were reported in four states. The problem was discovered in October after listeria was found in routine testing of food and production environments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said nine of the 11 patients have been hospitalized. Patient interviews and laboratory test results pointed to Yushang Foods.
Although these foods have been recalled, some may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Products must be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Refrigerators, containers and other surfaces that may come into contact with food should be cleaned and disinfected.
People can become sick from listeria poisoning when they eat food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Symptoms can be moderate and include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If the condition is more severe, it may include headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
Listeria poisoning is tricky because symptoms can appear quickly, within hours or days of eating contaminated food. But they can also take several weeks or up to three months to appear. People most at risk of getting sick are younger people, people over 65, people with weakened immune systems, or pregnant women.
Another listeria outbreak linked to recalled Boar’s Head delicacies is over, CDC officials said this week. This summer’s outbreak killed 10 people and sickened dozens more.
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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What are the symptoms of listeriosis and who is most at risk during a listeria outbreak?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Rogers, Food Safety Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rogers. We’re discussing the recent listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Could you summarize what we know about this situation?
**Dr. Rogers:** Thank you for having me. As of November 2024, there’s been a multistate outbreak of listeria linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, which includes various items like chicken feet, duck necks, beef legs, and pork knuckles. Unfortunately, this outbreak has resulted in the death of an infant and has sickened at least 10 others, primarily in California. Eleven cases have been confirmed across four states, and nine of those infected have been hospitalized [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1122-listeria-outbreak.html)].
**Editor:** That’s alarming. What specific actions have been taken in response to this outbreak?
**Dr. Rogers:** The U.S. Department of Agriculture has taken significant steps by announcing a recall of more than 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products from Yushang Food Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Some of these products were initially recalled earlier this month on November 9. Consumers are urged to check for these products in their homes and avoid consuming them [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1122-listeria-outbreak.html)].
**Editor:** Why is listeria particularly concerning in food products, and what symptoms should people be aware of?
**Dr. Rogers:** Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis or septicemia, which can be life-threatening [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1122-listeria-outbreak.html)].
**Editor:** What advice would you give to consumers regarding food safety, especially in light of this outbreak?
**Dr. Rogers:** First and foremost, consumers should stay informed about recalls and food safety alerts. When purchasing ready-to-eat products, always check for labels and expiration dates. If you suspect that you have any of the recalled products at home, do not consume them—throw them away or return them to the point of purchase. It’s also crucial to maintain kitchen hygiene, keep raw meats separate from other foods, and cook any meats thoroughly before consumption [[1](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1122-listeria-outbreak.html)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rogers, for your insights on this serious health issue. It’s essential that consumers stay vigilant and informed to keep themselves and their families safe.
**Dr. Rogers:** Thank you for having me. Staying informed is key to preventing such outbreaks in the future.
