CDC Warns of Listeria Outbreak in Ready-to-Eat Meat & Poultry | CDC Newsroom

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. As of March 13, 2025, eleven people across four states have been reported sick, with nine hospitalizations and tragically, one death – an infant in California. The outbreak strain has been identified, and laboratory evidence points to products from Yu Shang Food as the source of the infections. While a recall was issued in November 2024, health officials are reminding consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers and discard any potentially contaminated items.

Understanding Listeria and the Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. While many people experience mild symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and tiredness, the infection can be particularly dangerous for certain populations. These include pregnant women, adults 65 years or older, and individuals with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In older adults and those with compromised immunity, the infection often results in hospitalization and can be fatal. The CDC explains that Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, and food.

The Current Outbreak: Details and Recalled Products

The current outbreak, first identified in late 2024, has affected individuals in multiple states. The CDC investigation revealed that those sickened reported consuming ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu Shang Food. Recalled products include pork hock, chicken feet, pork feet, duck neck, beef shank, and pork tongue. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall, but officials caution that some products may still be present in consumers’ homes. It’s important to note that even if a product doesn’t look or smell spoiled, it could still be contaminated with Listeria.

What Should Consumers Do?

The CDC recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your family:

• Discard Recalled Products: Do not eat any recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
• Thorough Cleaning: Clean your refrigerator, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and spread easily. The CDC provides detailed guidance on cleaning your refrigerator to prevent the spread of Listeria.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you have eaten recalled products and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis – fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures – contact your healthcare provider immediately. Pregnant women experiencing fever, muscle aches, and tiredness should too seek medical care.

How Listeria Contamination Occurs

Listeria is a resilient bacterium that can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and animal feces. In food processing facilities, it can persist on surfaces and equipment, contaminating ready-to-eat foods. Unlike many other harmful bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, making it particularly challenging to control. Deli meats, cheeses, and prepared salads are often implicated in outbreaks because of the potential for cross-contamination during slicing, and preparation. The CDC notes that refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating foods thoroughly can.

Public Health Response and Ongoing Surveillance

The CDC, in collaboration with state health departments and the USDA-FSIS, is continuing to investigate this outbreak. This includes analyzing additional samples, interviewing sick individuals to identify common exposures, and monitoring for new cases. The National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) is a key tool in tracking foodborne illness outbreaks across the country. The CDC maintains a list of active and previous Listeria outbreaks, providing transparency and informing public health efforts. The investigation aims not only to control the current outbreak but also to identify ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Outbreaks

Preventing Listeria contamination requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter food safety regulations, improved sanitation practices in food processing facilities, and consumer education. The CDC emphasizes the importance of following safe food handling practices at home, such as thoroughly washing hands, cooking meats to safe internal temperatures, and properly storing leftovers. Ongoing surveillance and rapid outbreak detection are also crucial for minimizing the impact of Listeria infections. Consumers can stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts by visiting the CDC and USDA-FSIS websites.