California health officials report Listeria outbreak after 2 infants die

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The California Department of Public Health is warning people not to eat, serve or sell Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. These products are the suspected cause of a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections, which can cause serious illness and death, health officials said.

As of this week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified 19 Asian people — including 10 from California — who fell ill from the Listeria outbreak. Two newborn infants died.

Public health officials linked these Listeria infections to the consumption of Yu Shang Food meat products that were purchased from Asian grocery stores and online.

“The consumption of these food products can result in devastating consequences, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the infants who passed away,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomas Aragon. “We continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners on this investigation and are doing all we can to educate consumers and retailers to further prevent any harm.”

All Yu Shang Food brand ready-to-eat meat and poultry products made before October 28, 2024 have been recalled, state health officials said.

The CDPH advised Californians:

• Do not eat, serve or sell ready-to-eat meat and poultry products made by Yu Shang Food before October 28, 2024, as they could be contaminated with Listeria and have been recalled.
• Check refrigerators and freezers for these foods, which have a long shelf life between 8-12 months.
• All surfaces that may have touched the recalled foods should be sanitized. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and freezer and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.  
• Consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products should consult their health care provider. Symptoms of Listeria infection may include fever, headache, and neck stiffness.

​SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The California Department of Public Health is warning people not to eat, serve or sell Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. These products are the suspected cause of a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections, which can cause serious illness and death, health officials said. As of this week, […]