An infection, or disease, which is common in animals; including, cattle, pigs, poultry, and sometimes in humans: Possible causes of listeriosis can result from eating improperly cooked or infected meat, and directly by spreading bacteria from an infected animal.

On December 24, 2014, a Missouri firm recalled its caramel apples because of the potential that they could be contaminated with listeria and the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) says five deaths have been reported as a result of eating the apples, with listeriosis contributing to at least three of the deaths.