California infant death linked to listeria outbreak in 'ready-to-eat' meals

A listeria outbreak in some ready-to-eat meals is linked to several illnesses in California, and the death of an infant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In total, 11 people have been ill from the outbreak, including seven in California. The lone death, also in California, was from an infant.

It wasn’t clear where in California the infant resided.

Other illnesses were found in New York, Illinois and New Jersey.

According to the CDC, the outbreak originated in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from  Yu Shang Food Inc. All products labeled with “Yu Shang” that were produced before Oct. 28 are recalled, and to be thrown out.

Pork hock, chicken feet, pork feet, duck neck, beef shank and pork tongue are examples of recalled Yu Shang products.

The CDC warns that listeria can survive in refrigerators and spread to other foods and surfaces, so any refrigerator that contained recalled products should be cleaned out.

Pregnant people and individuals older than 65 are most likely to become ill from listeria.

According to the CDC:

• For people who are pregnant, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in their newborn.
• For people who are 65 years or older or who have a weakened immune system, Listeria often results in hospitalization and sometimes death.