US Listeria Outbreak Claims Infant Life, Triggers Major Meat Recall

In a distressing development, an infant in California has succumbed to a listeria outbreak, leading to a recall of ready-to-eat meat produced by Yu Shang Food Inc., as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The infant's mother, who was pregnant, also fell ill; however, testing could not confirm listeria in the twin who also died. Reports indicate eleven infections across four states from October 2021 to July 2024, with the baby’s death timeline remaining unclear. The outbreak prompted Yu Shang Food to recall over 72,000 pounds of food after testing positive for listeria on October 21, 2024.

So far, California reported seven cases, while Illinois recorded two, with single cases in New York and New Jersey. The CDC warned that the actual number of sick individuals could be significantly higher since some recover without medical help and may not undergo testing. The agency also noted that the confirmation of recent cases often takes three to four weeks.

Listeria, a harmful bacterium, can lead to listeriosis, a severe infection that primarily threatens vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle pains, and gastrointestinal distress, and it is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. The CDC estimates that there are 1,600 infections and around 200 deaths from listeria each year.