Meat Recall Alert: Warning Issued Over Potential Listeria Contamination

According to Newsweek ,YuShang Food, a South Carolina-based food company, has issued a recall of approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The issue was detected during routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which found that some products tested positive for the harmful bacteria.

The recalled products were produced between October 21 and October 27, 2024, and have “use by” dates ranging from August 21, 2025, to August 27, 2025. The affected items are labeled with the USDA establishment numbers “P-46684” or “EST. M46684” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were distributed nationwide and were available for purchase both in stores and online.

Recalled Products:

• Yushang Brand Cooked Chicken (20 oz – Vacuum Pack)
• Japanese Chashu Pork Belly (16 oz – Vacuum Pack)
• Seasoned Pork Hock (20 oz)
• Braised Pork Belly in Brown Sauce (16 oz)
• Yushang Brand Cooked Pork Hock (1.4 lbs)
• Chinese Brand Spicy Chicken Feet (8 oz)
• Bazhen Seasoned Whole Chicken (20 oz)
• Braised Beef Shank (16 oz)
• Seasoned Pork Tongues (12 oz)

FSIS reports that the contaminated products may still be found in freezers and refrigerators in consumers’ homes. Individuals who have purchased these products are strongly advised not to consume them. The products should be either discarded or returned to the point of purchase.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a genus of bacteria, with Listeria monocytogenes being the strain that causes the infection known as listeriosis. This bacteria thrives in moist environments, including soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animals. It is particularly challenging to control in food products, as it can survive and grow even under refrigeration.

Listeriosis is most dangerous to young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, listeriosis can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, premature birth, or severe infections in newborns. For older adults and those with compromised immune systems, the infection can be fatal.

Healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that listeria is responsible for approximately 1,600 cases of foodborne illness and about 260 deaths annually in the U.S.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged to take immediate action to avoid health risks.