The USDA FSIS issued 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. Headcheese is a ready-to-eat (RTE) pork deli meat product typically made from cooked meat and seasonings, formed into a loaf or jelly. The fully cooked pork headcheese products were produced on January 20, 2026. These products are intended for slicing at retail delis, and some deli purchases may only show the producer's brand without the expiration date. The following products are subject to the public health alert: Various weight packages packed or sliced in retail delis, containing "DAISY BRAND Meat Products HEADCHEESE," with a "USE BY" date of "MAR 26 2026." And Various weight packages packed or sliced in retail delis, containing "DAISY BRAND Meat Products HEADCHEESE," with a red sticker indicating "HOT" and a "USE BY" date of "MAR 26 2026." These items were distributed to retail deli locations in Illinois and Indiana. The problem was discovered as part of an ongoing illness outbreak investigation. FSIS, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and local health departments in Illinois are investigating a localized outbreak of Lm affecting three people in Illinois. Because the outbreak is contained within the state, Illinois is leading this investigation with FSIS. FSIS continues to keep its federal partners at the CDC informed as the investigation progresses. FSIS collected an unopened headcheese product sample that tested positive for Lm. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product samples are related to the specific outbreak strain. FSIS is concerned that recently purchased products may still be in consumers' refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2026-05/pha-05092026-01-labels.pdf
