Recent Listeria Outbreaks Affecting Pregnant Women

This page tracks CDC-confirmed listeria outbreaks that have affected pregnant women. Each entry includes what was recalled, the timeframe, the outcome, and a link to detailed legal coverage at Pritzker Hageman where applicable. We update this page as new outbreaks are announced — bookmark it or check back during any current investigation.

If you ate a recalled product within the past 10 weeks and you’re pregnant, contact your doctor today. The symptoms page walks through the warning signs. The diagnosis and treatment page explains what hospital evaluation involves.

2026 outbreaks

Clover Hill Dairy requesón and other cheeses (multistate) — 2026

CDC says some requesón cheeses supplied by Clover Hill Dairy were contaminated with listeria and made people sick in an outbreak that included 15 people in four states, which FDA lists as Illinois, Maryland, New York and Virginia. Fourteen were hospitalized and one person died in Maryland. CDC declared the outbreak over on August 26, 2026. Clover Hill Dairy recalled all of its cheese products, which FDA says may have been relabeled under other brand names. CDC has not reported a count of pregnancy-associated cases. In its advisory on this outbreak, FDA advises people at higher risk, including people who are pregnant, not to eat any queso fresco-type cheese, including soft ricotta or requesón. Detailed coverage at Pritzker Hageman — Clover Hill Dairy Requesón Listeria Outbreak.

Daisy Brand headcheese (Illinois) — 2026

At least three people sickened in Illinois in early 2026 following exposure to Daisy Brand headcheese products. As of November 10, 2026, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service lists its investigation of this outbreak as not active. Detailed coverage at Pritzker Hageman — Daisy Headcheese Listeria Outbreak.

2025 outbreaks

FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo

CDC says prepared meals containing pasta were contaminated with listeria and made people sick in this outbreak, which included 28 people in 19 states. Twenty-seven were hospitalized and seven deaths were reported. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss. CDC declared the outbreak over on February 12, 2026. CDC outbreak notice: CDC — Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepared Pasta Meals.

Yu Shang Food (ready-to-eat meat products)

Detailed coverage at Pritzker Hageman — Deadly Yu Shang Listeria Outbreak.

Totally Cool Ice Cream

FDA inspections revealed years-long listeria contamination at the facility before recall. Detailed coverage at Pritzker Hageman — Years-Long Listeria Issue at Totally Cool Ice Cream.

2024 outbreak (major): Boar’s Head deli meats

Boar’s Head Provisions issued a national recall of all deli products produced at its Jarratt, Virginia facility in July 2024. By the time the outbreak ended in November, at least 10 people had died and more than 60 were hospitalized across 19 states. CDC and FSIS later confirmed that ignored sanitation warnings at the Jarratt plant had allowed listeria to persist for an extended period.

At least one pregnant woman from Minnesota filed suit after being infected — she said in court documents that she “nearly lost her unborn child” after eating contaminated Boar’s Head deli meat purchased at a Florida Publix. Detailed coverage at Pritzker Hageman’s listeria practice.

Earlier major outbreaks with pregnancy impact

2022 — Big Olaf Creamery ice cream (Florida)

Cases identified in 10 states; at least one pregnancy loss reported by a Billerica, Massachusetts mother who filed suit. The investigation traced the outbreak to ice cream from a Sarasota, Florida company.

2021 — Queso fresco linked outbreak

This outbreak again highlighted the 24× elevated risk for Hispanic pregnant women. Detailed coverage at Pritzker Hageman — Queso Fresco Listeria Outbreak Shows High Risk for Pregnant Women.

2020 — Enoki mushrooms

Multiple pregnant women infected, with tragic outcomes. Detailed coverage at Pritzker Hageman — Enoki Mushrooms Listeria Outbreak.

2014 — Caramel apples

35 people sickened across 12 states. Three deaths. 11 pregnant women infected, with three premature births and one fetal loss. The wooden stick inserted into the apple created an entry point for listeria growth.

2011 — Jensen Farms cantaloupe

The deadliest U.S. foodborne outbreak in decades: 147 people sickened across 28 states. 33 deaths. Seven pregnant women infected — one miscarriage, three infants born with listeriosis. FDA traced the contamination to used equipment at the Colorado packing facility.

For the full Pritzker Hageman outbreak archive

See Pritzker Hageman — 10 Most Recent Listeria Outbreaks for ongoing case coverage and detailed outbreak histories.

Sources: CDC — Listeria Outbreaks · USDA FSIS Recall Alerts · FDA Recall Alerts.