In a major health alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a Class I recall for thousands of units of grated Pecorino Romano cheese products distributed across 20 states. The recall comes after tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium that poses a serious risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups. This is the highest level of recall, reflecting the urgent nature of the threat.
The recall, which affects products sold under well-known brands such as Locatelli, Boar’s Head, and Member’s Mark, has raised concerns among consumers and food safety officials alike. With products distributed nationwide between early and late November 2025, the FDA has classified the recall as a significant public health risk, urging consumers to immediately dispose of or return affected products to stores.
The Scope of the Recall and Affected Products
The recall includes a wide range of grated Pecorino Romano cheese products distributed across various states, including high-population areas like California, Florida, and New York. According to the FDA, the recall impacts over 11,500 units of the cheese, sold in different packaging formats such as plastic cups, bags, and bulk quantities. The contaminated products are sold under several brands, including Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated (both 4- and 8-ounce cups), Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano (6-ounce cups and 5-pound bags), and Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano (1.5-pound bags).
The products were distributed between November 3 and November 20, 2025, across 20 states. These include well-known retail locations and distributors across the country, meaning that the recall could potentially affect a significant number of households. Consumers are urged to check the expiration dates and lot numbers of their purchases, as these products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine screening. However, no illnesses have been reported so far.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly dangerous bacterium that poses serious health risks, especially to certain high-risk groups. According to the FDA, those most at risk include pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. For healthy adults, symptoms of Listeria infection can include fever, severe headache, nausea, and abdominal pain, with some individuals also experiencing diarrhea and stiff muscles. However, for pregnant women, Listeria infections can cause severe complications such as miscarriages, stillbirths, or severe illness in newborns.
While no illnesses related to the affected cheese products have been reported as of late November 2025, the FDA has emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical advice if consumers experience symptoms of listeriosis after consuming the recalled cheese. In response to the outbreak, Ambriola Co., the company behind the recall, has taken swift action to remove the contaminated products from store shelves and is working closely with the FDA to address the issue.
What Consumers Need to Do
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised not to consume them. According to the FDA’s recommendations, these items should either be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company behind the recall, Ambriola Co., has set up a customer service hotline for those seeking further assistance or information. Consumers can reach Ambriola at 1-800-962-8224 during business hours for guidance on returning or disposing of the affected products.
While the risk of illness remains a concern, swift action by both the FDA and the affected companies is critical to ensuring consumer safety. As the recall continues, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further health risks from spreading. The FDA’s Class I designation underlines the seriousness of the issue and highlights the importance of vigilance in food safety practices.
