The FDA has escalated the risk level of certain cheese products to the highest category, specifically regarding pecorino Romano cheeses that were voluntarily recalled back in November due to potential listeria contamination. This serious development highlights the importance of food safety and consumer awareness.
In a recent report dated January 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration informed the public that a previous voluntary recall initiated by the Ambriola Company on November 21, 2025, has now been officially designated as Class 1. This classification indicates that the implicated cheese products pose a significant risk of causing "serious adverse health consequences or death" if consumed, stemming from routine tests that identified the presence of listeria.
The affected products were distributed across retail outlets and food distributors nationwide between November 3 and November 20, 2025. These products are sold under various brand names including Ambriola, Locatelli, Member's Mark, Pinna, and Boar's Head, which makes it crucial for consumers to check what they have purchased.
A total of 20 states received shipments of these cheese products, among them Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Eight different pecorino Romano cheese varieties were involved in the recall. Four of these were retail items that consumers might find in their refrigerators or freezers, while the other four larger bags were sold by weight.
To aid consumers, here is a list of the specific recalled products:
- Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated in 4 and 8-ounce plastic cups with lids
- Boar's Head Grated Pecorino Romano in a 6-ounce cup with lid
- Member's Mark (a private label from Sam's Club) Pecorino Romano in a 1.5-pound bag
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano in 5 and 10-pound plastic bags
- Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano in 5 and 10-pound plastic bags
- Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano in 10-pound plastic bags
- Boar's Head Pecorino Romano Grated in 5-pound plastic bags
For more details including expiration dates and lot numbers, consumers should refer to the complete recall notice available on the FDA website.
Although no illnesses have been reported thus far, Ambriola has issued a strong recommendation for anyone experiencing symptoms related to listeria infection to promptly consult with a healthcare professional.
In a statement regarding the recall, Ambriola’s CEO Phil Marfuggi emphasized the company’s commitment to food safety, stating, "We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves." He also noted that Ambriola is collaborating closely with the FDA and conducting ongoing tests of their products and facilities to fully grasp the situation at hand.
As part of their response, Ambriola has halted the production and distribution of the impacted cheese products while they conduct a comprehensive examination of all sanitation and food safety protocols.
Customers who purchased any of the affected cheeses are advised not to consume them. Instead, they should either discard the products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For further assistance, affected customers can reach out to Ambriola by calling (800) 962-8224 during business hours from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
In case you're wondering about listeria itself, it's a type of bacteria that can lead to an infection known as listeriosis if ingested, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This infection is particularly perilous for pregnant individuals, newborns, those with weakened immune systems, and adults aged 65 and older. For pregnant women, listeria infections can result in severe outcomes, including pregnancy loss or premature birth.
According to CDC estimates, around 1,250 individuals in the United States contract listeriosis each year, with approximately 172 fatalities attributed to the disease. It raises an important question: how vigilant are we really about food safety in our everyday lives? What steps do you think should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments!
