The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has confirmed that Daisy brand headcheese products, which prompted a public health alert earlier this month, have tested positive for the deadly bacteria listeria monocytogenes. The ready-to-eat pork deli meat, produced at Crawford Sausage Co., was found to contain the outbreak strain following whole genome sequencing analysis.
According to FSIS, the contamination has been linked to three reported illnesses in Illinois. The products in question are fully cooked pork headcheese loaves produced on January 20, with use-by dates of March 26, 2026. Two varieties are affected: one labeled 'DAISY BRAND Meat Products HEADCHEESE' and another with a red 'HOT' sticker. Both bear the establishment number 'EST. 21406' inside the USDA mark of inspection.
While no recall has been issued because the products are no longer available for purchase, FSIS warns that they may still be in consumers' refrigerators. The agency urges anyone who has bought these items to discard them immediately or return them to the store. Additionally, thorough cleaning of refrigerators is recommended to prevent cross-contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe symptoms, including diarrhea and muscle aches, and poses a particular risk to pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, the infection can lead to confusion, seizures, miscarriages, and even death.
The products were distributed to retail deli stores in Illinois and Indiana. FSIS, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health and local health departments, is continuing its investigation. The agency also advises retail delis to clean and sanitize all surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected products.
For further information, consumers can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email questions to MPHotline@usda.gov.
