The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued a public health alert for headcheese due to possible listeria contamination.
The May 9 alert covers deli meat — typically made from meat and seasonings cooked together and formed into a loaf or jelly-style product, according to the USDA — produced by Crawford Sausage Co. and sold under the Daisy Brand name.
A recall was not issued because the affected headcheese is no longer available for sale. But the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said that it is concerned that consumers may have the deli meat in their homes.
The potential contamination was discovered as part of an ongoing illness outbreak investigation, according to the USDA. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service are investigating a listeria outbreak that has sickened at least three Illinois residents.
FSIS collected an unopened headcheese product sample that tested positive for listeria. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product samples are related to the specific outbreak strain, according to the agency.
In an email to USA TODAY, John Zicha, president of Crawford Sausage Co., said that the company discontinued production of the headcheese and is “looking into the possible cause” of the contamination.
What Products Are Covered by the Health Alert?
The products subject to the alert were produced on Jan. 20 and distributed to delis in Illinois and Indiana. They include:
Various weight packages packed or sliced in retail delis, containing “Daisy Brand Meat Products Headcheese,” with a “Use By” date of “MAR 26 2026.”
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.”
The packages have the establishment number “EST. 21406” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
What Are the Symptoms of Listeria Poisoning?
Listeria poisoning is a type of food-based illness caused by listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Cleveland Clinic. It occurs after eating food contaminated by the bacterium and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.
According to the CDC, symptoms include:
Fever.
Muscle aches.
Headache.
Stiff neck.
Confusion.
Loss of balance.
Convulsions.
Diarrhea.
Other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants.
Death.
People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention, according to the CDC.
