A public health alert has been issued in the United States for Daisy Brand headcheese due to potential listeria contamination, though a formal recall was not initiated as the products are no longer available for purchase. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) raised concerns after an unopened sample of the ready-to-eat pork deli meat tested positive for listeria monocytogenes.
Ongoing Investigation Links Product to Illinois Outbreak
This discovery occurred during an ongoing investigation into a listeria outbreak in Illinois, which has already led to at least three people falling ill. Further testing is underway to confirm whether the product is linked to the specific outbreak strain. The affected headcheese products were produced on 20 January 2026 with a "Use By" date of 26 March 2026 and establishment number “EST. 21406”. They were distributed to retail delis in Illinois and Indiana.
Consumer Advice and Prevention Measures
Consumers are advised to immediately dispose of the contaminated meat or return it to the place of purchase. Additionally, it is crucial to thoroughly clean refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination, as listeria can cause serious food poisoning and is a leading cause of foodborne illness deaths. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, and it can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
FSIS continues to monitor the situation and urges anyone who may have purchased the product to take necessary precautions. No other products from Daisy Brand are affected at this time.
