Yu Shang Brand RTE Meats Cause Two-Year-Long Listeria Outbreak Resulting in Death of an Infant
Image credit: USDA-FSIS
A foodborne outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections spanning more than two years has sickened 11 people and resulted in the death of an infant. Epidemiologic and laboratory data linked the illnesses to ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products distributed by Yu Shang Food Inc. of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first infection by the outbreak strain of L. monocytogenes was confirmed on October 21, 2024. The latest clinical sample that tested positive for the outbreak strain was collected on July 31, 2024. More than half (six) of the illnesses associated with this outbreak began between December 2023 and March 2024.
As of November 22, 2024, 11 people in four states (California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey) have been sickened as part of the outbreak, nine of whom were hospitalized.
In California, one person who was pregnant with twins fell ill and tested positive for the outbreak strain. Both of the mother’s infant children also fell ill, and died. However, only one of the children tested positive for L. monocytogenes, and therefore only the mother and one infant are included in the outbreak patient count.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for clinical L. monocytogenes isolates collected from sick people are recorded in CDC’s PulseNet system. PulseNet data shows that the isolates from patients included in the outbreak are closely genetically related.
On October 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) conducted routine testing and follow-up activities of finished product by Yu Shang Food Inc. Testing confirmed that the product was contaminated with L. monocytogenes, and WGS showed bacteria from the pork snout product to be closely genetically related to clinical isolates from sick people.
In addition to epidemiological evidence, interviews of patients conducted by state and local public health officials suggest Yu Shang RTE products are the source of the outbreak. Of the eight people interviewed, seven shopped in person and online at retailers where Yu Shang products are sold, and two people specifically reported eating Yu Shang RTE chicken products.
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Recall Information
On November 9, 2024, Yu Shang Food Inc. recalled approximately 72,240 pounds (lbs.) of RTE meat and poultry products. All RTE foods produced prior to October 28, 2024 are included in the recall. The products subject to recall are labeled with the establishment number “P-46684” or “EST. M46684” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The items were shipped to retail locations nationwide and available for purchase online.
A full list of recalled products is available through USDA-FSIS.
Images of recalled product labels are also available.
Update, December 9, 2025: After a second Listeria monocytogenes strain related to clinical isolates was discovered through environmental and product testing, the patient count in the foodborne illness outbreak linked to Yu Shang ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has risen to 19, including an additional infant death. Read more here.
