Listeria is a bacterium that tends to contaminate refrigerated foods like meat, dairy, and any raw produce. This bacteria is difficult to combat due to its rapid growth, even with excessive cleaning and sanitizing. The main difference between listeria and other foodborne bacteria is its ability to thrive in cold temperatures. The growth of foodborne bacteria typically slows or stops in the cold; however, listeria is known to grow at a more rapid rate in these low temperatures. The presence of this bacteria has increased in the U.S. and continues to do so, as seen in the increasing number of listeria-caused fatalities.
At around 6:00 p.m. on November 22nd, 2024, The Associated Press published an article pertaining to listeria contamination; an infant fatality and 10 ill individuals were reported in California. The listeria-caused illnesses were tied to Yu Shang Food, Inc., a poultry manufacturing company. Based in South Carolina, Yu Shang Food has recalled more than 72,000 pounds of meat, with various contaminated products tied to the listeria outbreak. This was not the only case of listeria seen in 2024, as various Boar’s Head deli meats were also contaminated, causing about 60 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. While the CDC has claimed the outbreak has ceased, there are still a multitude of lawsuits filed against the company and an ongoing USDA investigation. The contaminated meats were linked to a plant located in Virginia, which has since been closed.
The influx of listeria’s presence in America could likely be linked to the amount of processing these products must undergo prior to distribution. A lack of testing could have also been the cause of this contamination; Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, claims that we now have more information and resources that could aid in the prevention of spreading this deadly bacteria. It is highly recommended to check the recall lists of these products and to throw them away immediately to ensure the safety of your health.
