A widespread cheese recall involving Pecorino Romano products has been upgraded to a Class I recall — the most serious classification issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This change reflects evidence that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause potentially severe or life-threatening illness.
Class I recalls — the highest risk level — are reserved for situations where there is a “reasonable probability” that consuming the product could result in **serious illness or death.”
What’s Triggering the Alarm?
The recall stems from routine testing by the FDA and manufacturer that found Listeria in several batches of Pecorino Romano cheese produced by The Ambriola Company, a major supplier for multiple national brands. These products were distributed widely across the United States between November 3 and November 20, 2025.
Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous because it can grow at refrigeration temperatures and cause listeriosis — a serious infection that disproportionately affects:
- Pregnant people (risk of miscarriage or stillbirth)
- Elderly adults
- Young children
- People with weakened immune systems
Healthy adults may experience fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches, and diarrhea, but high-risk individuals can face hospitalization or even death.
Brands and Products Included in the Recall
The FDA’s posted recall covers grated and packaged Pecorino Romano cheese sold under the following brands:
1. Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese
- 4 oz cups: UPC codes & expiration dates:
- 0503/26, 0510/26, 0517/26
- 8 oz cups:
- 0406/26, 0411/26, 0412/26, 0415/26, 0417/26, 0505/26, 0506/26, 0507/26, 0510/26, 0512/26, 0514/26, 0517/26
2. Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano (larger bags)
- 5 lb & 10 lb bags: multiple lot codes with expiration dates including 03/04/26, 03/06/26, 03/11/26, 03/13/26
3. Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano (6 oz cup)
- UPC 042421-05858, sell-by dates from 03/04/26 to 03/12/26
4. Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano (1.5 lb bag)
- Expiration dates: 03/25/26, 03/30/26, 04/05/26
5. Ambriola Grated Pecorino Romano
- Bags with expiration dates including 02/28/26, 03/04/26, 03/11/26
6. Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano (bags)
- Expiration 03/11/26
This specific list represents the products currently included in the Class I recall, meaning consumers should immediately discard or return them for a full refund. No other products from these brands are impacted.
Retailers and Geographic Reach
These cheeses were sold broadly across the U.S., reaching retail locations in at least 20 states, including but not limited to Texas, Ohio, California, New York, and Florida. Major national stores such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, H-E-B, Wegmans, Tops Markets, and Big Y were among points of distribution.
Because these products have shelf lives extending into mid-2026, many consumers may still have affected cheese in their refrigerators — even months after purchase.
Consumer Guidance: What You Should Do
Public health authorities are urging the following steps for anyone who may have purchased the recalled cheeses:
- Do not eat the recalled products under any circumstances.
- Check packaging carefully for the exact UPC codes and expiration dates listed above.
- Return or dispose of the products — even if they were opened.
- Seek medical care if you develop symptoms of listeriosis, especially fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, or signs affecting the nervous system such as headache or stiff neck.
Consumers with questions can contact Ambriola Company at 1-800-962-8224 on weekdays during business hours. Representatives are available to assist with product questions or concerns.
Industry and Safety Response
In response to the contamination findings, Ambriola has suspended production and distribution of the affected cheeses while conducting an internal review of sanitation and food safety systems. The company has stated it is working closely with the FDA to determine how Listeria entered its supply chain.
Retailers have removed recalled items from shelves or voluntarily withdrawn them where necessary, but buyers who purchased products earlier in the distribution period must remain vigilant.
Bottom Line
This expanded recall and its reclassification as a Class I public health risk serve as a reminder that even familiar grocery items can pose hidden dangers if contaminated. Health officials continue to monitor the situation, and consumers are strongly encouraged to check UPC codes and expiration dates against the list above before consuming any Pecorino Romano cheese.
