A Listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has been linked to contaminated products including chicken feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork hock. The outbreak has been traced to products manufactured by Yu Shang Food, Inc., based in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
In response to the outbreak, Yu Shang Food has recalled more than 72,000 pounds of meat and poultry products. The contamination was discovered in October through routine testing, which detected listeria in both the food products and the production environment.
Ron Simon & Associates December 5, 2024 Update
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), along with health and safety partners in multiple states are investigating a multi-state Listeria outbreak.
- Health investigations and lab tests confirm that ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food, Inc. are contaminated with Listeria and have caused multiple illnesses.
- Samples from sick individuals were collected between October 24, 2021 and October 28, 2024.
- Eight new illnesses, an increase of the initially reported 11 cases, have now been reported across five states since the previous November 22, 2024 update, bringing the total outbreak to 19 people across eight states, up from the four states first reported.
- Eight new hospitalizations have been reported, an increase of the previously reported number of 9 hospitalizations
- Of the 19 people sickened, 17 (89%) have now been hospitalized.
- 2 deaths have now been confirmed, an increase of one fatality since the previous update
- Seven of the illnesses are related to pregnant individuals:
- One pregnant person became sick and recovered.
- In California, a mother and her twins were affected, with both twins dying. However, Listeria was found in the mother’s sample and one twin’s sample, but not in the other infant’s sample so only the mother and one twin are counted as confirmed cases.
- In Tennessee, a mother and her infant were affected, with the infant dying.
- Two unrelated infants were also sick and have recovered.
As in other outbreaks, The CDC said that the actual number of impacted individuals is likely much higher than the number reported so far because many people will recover without medical intervention or do not get tested for Listeria infection. Additionally, the agency said that “recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3-4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.” Additionally, the outbreak may not be limited to the states with currently known cases.
Location of Affected Individuals – December 5, 2024 Update
- Oregon, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Georgia – 1 sick person
- Illinois, Tennessee – 2 sick people
- California – 10 sick people
Demographics – December 5, 2024 Update
The CDC said that officials collect a variety of demographic data from affected individuals during an outbreak of foodborne illness to help determine the source of the infection.
| Demographics | Information |
| Age (information from 19 people) | Ranges from <1 to 86 years old Median age of 59 years old |
| Sex (information from 19 people) | 68% female 32% male |
| Race (information from 19 people) | 100% Asian |
| Ethnicity (information from 17 people) | 100% non-Hispanic |
- Public health investigators are conducting interviews with infected individuals to gather information about their dietary habits during the month preceding their illness.
- Patients reported purchasing food from various retail outlets through both in-store and online shopping channels.
- Of the 14 individuals interviewed, 11 confirmed shopping at markets that carry Yu Shang food products.
- When questioned about precooked chicken consumption, 8 out of 13 respondents indicated they had eaten precooked chicken products.
- Among those surveyed, 3 people specifically reported consuming Yu Shang brand ready-to-eat chicken products.
Laboratory and Traceback Findings
Public health investigators are utilizing the PulseNet system, “a national laboratory network that connects foodborne, waterborne, and One Health (a collaborative approach to optimal health outcomes that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and the shared environment) – related illnesses” to identify potential outbreak-related illnesses.
PulseNet maintains a national database of bacterial DNA fingerprints for foodborne illnesses. Investigators used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to compare genetic similarities between bacterial samples from sick individuals.
On October 21, 2024, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducted routine testing at Yu Shang Food, Inc., confirming Listeria contamination in a pork snout product. Genetic analysis revealed that the bacteria in this product closely matched those found in patient samples, suggesting a common source of infection.
Further investigation led FSIS to collect additional product samples from Yu Shang Foods, Inc., including environmental samples. Genetic testing uncovered a second Listeria strain related to eight additional sick individuals, which differed from the initial pork snout sample strain.
The genetic evidence strongly indicates that foods produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. are linked to the ongoing outbreak.
Affected Food Products
Yu Shang Food, Inc. ready-to-eat meat and poultry products with Yu Shang establishment number P46684 or EST. M46684 on the label. This includes all products produced prior to October 28, 2024.
Commenting on this article, one national Listeria lawyer said, “Two deaths have now been confirmed in connection to this Listeria outbreak connected to Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. It is especially tragic that both deaths were in infants, which really highlights the extreme dangers of Listeria infection in pregnant women and those at-risk members of our population.”
