2026 Outbreak of Listeriosis Associated with Daisy brand Headcheese, Illinois

On May 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for headcheese that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

The alert was issued after 3 people in Illinois were sickened. FSIS, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and local health departments in Illinois investigated the localized outbreak. Because the outbreak was contained within the state, Illinois led the investigation with FSIS.

FSIS collected an unopened headcheese product sample that tested positive for Lm. Further testing was ongoing to determine if the product samples are related to the specific outbreak strain.

Overview

Outbreak began:March 2026
Affected country:US
States/territories:IL
Pathogen:Listeria monocytogenes
Vehicle(s):Pork
Location(s):Retail
Brand name(s):Daisy
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:3

Sources & documents

Report / reference links