A Serious Health Alert: FDA Elevates Cheese Recall to Highest Risk Category
In a troubling development, several pecorino Romano cheese products that were initially recalled voluntarily last November due to potential listeria contamination have now been escalated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the highest risk classification. This action underscores the seriousness of the situation and serves as a crucial warning for consumers.
On January 6, the FDA issued an enforcement report revealing that the previous recall, dated November 21, 2025, initiated by Ambriola Company, has been updated to a Class 1 designation. This classification indicates that the implicated cheese products pose a substantial risk, potentially leading to "serious adverse health consequences or death" if consumed. The escalation was triggered after routine testing confirmed the presence of listeria in these cheese products, which raises significant health concerns.
These affected cheese items were distributed across retail stores and food distributors nationwide between November 3 and November 20, 2025. Consumers may find these products under various brand names, including Ambriola, Locatelli, Member's Mark, Pinna, and Boar's Head.
The distribution of these products reached 20 different states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Eight specific pecorino Romano products, available in different sizes, are involved in this recall. Four items were sold as retail products, likely found in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers, while another four were larger bulk bags sold by weight.
Here is a detailed list of the 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 Pecorino Romano in a 1.5-pound bag (exclusive to Sam's Club)
- 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 a complete list of products including specific expiration dates and lot numbers, you can view the full recall notice here.
While no illnesses have been reported at this time, as noted in Ambriola's most recent press release from December 3, the company is advising any customers experiencing symptoms related to listeria infection to seek medical attention promptly.
Phil Marfuggi, the CEO of Ambriola, 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 added that the company is working closely with the FDA while continuing to conduct tests on their products and facilities to gain a full understanding of the issue.
As a precautionary measure, Ambriola has halted production and distribution of the affected cheese products while they carry out a comprehensive review of all sanitation and food safety protocols.
What Should Consumers Do?
Ambriola is urging consumers who purchased the recalled cheese not to eat it. Instead, they should either dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers needing further assistance can contact Ambriola at (800) 962-8224 during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
ABC News has also sought comments from Ambriola regarding this recall.
Understanding Listeria and Its Risks
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can lead to a serious infection known as listeriosis when ingested, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This infection is particularly hazardous for certain populations, such as pregnant individuals, newborns, those with compromised immune systems, and adults aged 65 and older. For pregnant women, listeria infections can lead to severe complications, including pregnancy loss or premature birth.
The CDC estimates that annually, about 1,250 people in the United States are infected with listeriosis, and roughly 172 of these cases result in death. Awareness and prompt action are essential to protect oneself from this dangerous bacteria.
