
Several pecorino Romano cheese products that were voluntarily recalled in November due to possible listeria contamination have been reclassified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to the highest hazard level.
In a Jan. 6 enforcement report, the FDA updated a prior Nov. 21, 2025, voluntary recall from the Ambriola Company to a Class 1 designation, which means the affected cheese products -- which were recalled after routine testing confirmed the presence of listeria, according to the company -- could cause "serious adverse health consequences or death" if consumed.
The recalled products were distributed to retail stores and food distributors nationwide between Nov. 3, 2025, and Nov. 20, 2025. Products were sold under several brand labels, including Ambriola, Locatelli, Member's Mark, Pinna and Boar's Head.
The 20 states where the cheese was distributed include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Eight pecorino Romano products sold in various sizes were impacted. Four were retail products that could be found in consumers' refrigerator or freezers and another four were larger bags sold by the pound.
See the list of products below, and click here to see the full recall notice with specific expiration dates and lot numbers.
Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated 4 and 8-ounce plastic cups with lids
Boar's Head Grated Pecorino Romano 6-ounce cup with lid
Member's Mark (private label from Sam's Club) Pecorino Romano 1.5-pound bag
Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 5 and 10-pound plastic bags
Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano, 5 and 10-pound plastic bags
Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano, 10-pound plastic bags
Boar's Head Pecorino Romano Grated, 5-pound plastic bags
While no illnesses have yet been reported, per Ambriola's most recent press release on the recall on Dec. 3, the company has urged any customers who have symptoms of listeria infection to contact a health care provider.
"We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves," Ambriola CEO Phil Marfuggi stated in the release. "We are working closely with the FDA and continuing to test our products and facilities to fully understand the situation."
Ambriola has suspended production and distribution of affected products as it conducts "a thorough review of all sanitation and food safety procedures," the company said.
The company has instructed customers who purchased the recalled products not to consume them and to "either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund."
Affected customers can call Ambriola for more information at (800) 962-8224, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
ABC News has reached out to Ambriola for comment on the recall.
What to know about listeria and its symptoms
Listeria is a bacteria that when ingested can cause an infection known as listeriosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The condition is most dangerous for pregnant people, newborns, people with weakened immune systems and adults 65 or older, the agency says. For people who are pregnant, being infected by listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth.
According to the CDC, an estimated 1,250 people get listeriosis annually in the U.S. and approximately 172 people die from it.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Watch China's Shenzhou 22 rescue ship arrive at Tiangong space station (video) - 2
How Mars 'punches above its weight' to influence Earth's climate - 3
Criminal Guard Lawyer Expenses: What Would it be advisable for you to Hope to Pay? - 4
Bother Control Administrations for 2024: Decide for Your Home - 5
Gilead's new HIV prevention shot added to CVS's drug coverage lists, CEO says
6 Natural products High In Vitamins,Which One Do You Like to Eat
See the famous winged horse Pegasus fly in the autumn night sky
Lightning on Jupiter could be up to 1 million times stronger than on Earth
21 Incredibly Interesting Contemplations To Observe Consistently
Your kid wants it now. What saying yes, no or not yet teaches kids about money and instant gratification.
The Best Business visionaries Under 30
NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch may be visible from Florida and southern Georgia today. Here's when to look
Early Thanksgiving week forecast: Where Americans can expect cold, rain and snow for the holiday
Remain Cool and Solid: Top Summer Food sources for 2024













