Consumers urged to discard affected deli meat after Listeria alert

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning consumers about a Listeria outbreak linked to headcheese deli meat products sold in Illinois.

According to IDPH, three Illinois cases of Listeria monocytogenes have been identified. Officials said the individuals reported eating headcheese products purchased from three different retail locations before becoming sick.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service collected an unopened sample of the product that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Additional testing is underway to determine whether the product matches the outbreak strain.

Health officials said the affected product is believed to no longer be available in stores, but consumers may still have it in their refrigerators. Officials are urging people not to consume the product and instead throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

The products involved include Daisy Brand Meat Products headcheese with a “use by” date of March 26, 2026, including some packages marked with a red “HOT” sticker. The products bear establishment number “EST. 21406” inside the USDA inspection mark.

Officials said the products were distributed to retail deli locations in Illinois and Indiana.

Consumers also are encouraged to thoroughly clean refrigerators and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product to prevent cross-contamination.

Listeria can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion and gastrointestinal illness.

IDPH said it is working with local health departments and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as the investigation continues.