CDC and several states, along with the US Department of Agriculture and the US Food and Drug Administration investigated an outbreak of Listeria infections linked to deli-sliced meats and cheeses. A single, common supplier of deli products was not identified. Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that were part of the outbreak. As of September 26, 2019, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes were reported from 5 states. Listeria specimens from ill people were collected from November 13, 2016 to June 20, 2019. Ill people ranged in age from 40 to 88 years. All 10 people (100%) were hospitalized. One death was reported in Michigan.

Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicated that deli-sliced meats and cheeses might have been the source of illnesses. USDA FSIS and FDA evaluated records collected by state inspectors from delis where ill people ate to determine whether a common meat or cheese product was served at the delis. The analysis of available documentation did not identify a common product.