Deli Meat Recall: What to Know About the Listeria Outbreak
Health officials are sounding the alarm after a recent listeria outbreak linked to a specific deli item: head cheese. While the name might sound unusual, the health risks are very real. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently confirmed that several people have fallen ill after eating head cheese sold at delis in Illinois and Indiana.
If you’ve purchased “Daisy Brand” or “Crawford Sausage Co.” headcheese recently, experts urge you to take immediate action to protect your health.
What’s Listeria?
Listeria is a bacteria found in moist environments like soil and water. Unlike many other germs, listeria can survive and even grow in the cold temperatures of a refrigerator. When it hitches a ride on food—especially deli meats, unpasteurized milks, and soft cheeses—it causes a serious infection called listeriosis.
Because listeria can spread easily to surfaces, health officials recommend “deep cleaning any refrigerator drawers or counters that may have touched the recalled meat.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
One of the most dangerous things about listeria is that symptoms may not appear right away. It can take anywhere from a few days to two months after eating contaminated food to feel sick.
Common symptoms of listeriosis include:
- Fever and muscle aches
- Headaches and a stiff neck
- Confusion or loss of balance
- Diarrhea or other stomach issues
While most healthy people experience mild illness, listeria is particularly dangerous for certain groups. Pregnant people, seniors 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe complications. In pregnant individuals, the infection can lead to pregnancy loss or serious illness in newborns.
Why You Should Avoid the Recalled Meat
The current recall involves head cheese—a jelly-like meat loaf made from pork seasonings—distributed by Crawford Sausage Co. under the “Daisy Brand” label. Even if the meat looks, smells, and tastes normal, it could still be carrying the bacteria.
To stay safe, health experts recommend following these steps:
- Check the label: Look for “Daisy Brand” head cheese with “use by” dates of March 26, 2026. Some packages may also have a red “HOT” sticker.
- Throw away immediately: If you have the product, don’t eat it. Throw it away in a sealed bag so pets or wildlife cannot reach it.
- Sanitize your kitchen: Wash any containers or surfaces that held the meat using hot, soapy water or a mild bleach solution.
- Talk to a doctor: If you are in a high-risk group and have eaten the recalled meat, contact your doctor, even if you don’t feel sick.
Staying informed about food safety is the best way to keep your family healthy. Keep an eye on local health department updates as the investigation into this outbreak continues.