Molecular subtyping helped to identify Listeria monocytogenes cases linked to a nationwide outbreak. Cases were eventually identified in 24 states. A total of 108 cases were identified with 14 associated deaths and four miscarriages or stillbirths. A case-control study implicated meat frankfurters, or hot dogs, as the likely source. A food traceback led to Bil Mar Foods company. The outbreak abruptly ended following a manufacturer issued recall. Illness onsets ranged from January 1998, to February 1999. Most illness onsets occurred between August 1998, and January 1999. There was evidence that demolition of a refrigeration unit, in early July, 1998, increased environmental contamination in the meat production plant. The same strain of Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from hot dog and deli meat samples from consumers and from unopened packages. Cooking destroys listeria bacteria; consumers may not have cooked the meats before eating.