A nationwide recall of various cheese products has been escalated to a Class I designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This reclassification indicates a significant health risk after the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause severe illness. The FDA announced the updated enforcement report on January 6, 2026, highlighting the serious nature of this recall.
Class I recalls are defined by the FDA as situations where there is a “reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, [the] product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” Although no illnesses have been confirmed as linked to this specific recall, the bacterium poses a heightened risk, particularly to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The initial recall was issued by The Ambriola Company on November 25, 2025, following routine testing that revealed traces of listeria in cheese samples produced at the company’s facility in New Jersey. While healthy individuals may experience mild, short-term symptoms such as fever and abdominal pain, the infection can lead to severe health complications in high-risk groups.
Details of the Recall
The recall encompasses several cheese products. Among those sold directly to consumers are:
– **Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano**: Available in 4-ounce and 8-ounce plastic cups (approximately 6,632 units recalled). Lot numbers include 1000572472 and 1000572485.
– **Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano**: Also in 5- and 10-pound plastic bags (about 964 bags recalled) with lot numbers such as 1000570725 and 1000570726.
– **Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano**: Sold in 10-pound plastic bags (approximately 45 bags recalled), lot number 1000572486.
– **Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano**: In 6-ounce plastic cups (around 2,106 units recalled), lot number 1000572486.
The recall also affects cheese products sold by weight, including:
– **Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) Pecorino Romano Grated**: In 1.5-pound plastic bags (approximately 1,015 bags recalled) with lot numbers like 1000570107.
– **Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated**: In 5-pound bags (about 405 bags recalled), lot numbers include 1000570093.
– **Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano**: Available in 5- and 10-pound bags, with approximately 179 bags recalled, including lot numbers 1000572981.
– **Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano**: In 8-ounce cups (approximately 184 units recalled), with lot numbers such as 1000570750.
Consumers are advised to check their products and dispose of any implicated cheese. The FDA urges anyone who has experienced symptoms associated with listeria to seek medical attention, particularly those in vulnerable groups.
As of now, the situation remains under close monitoring by the FDA and The Ambriola Company as they work to ensure public safety and prevent further risks associated with these cheese products.
