Consumers are facing a significant health risk due to a recent cheese recall linked to listeria contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that thousands of cheese containers, specifically pecorino romano products, are under scrutiny. This recall affects numerous states and could potentially lead to serious health complications or even death.
Details of the Cheese Recall
The recall involves cheese produced by the Ambriola Company. The contamination was detected during routine testing at the company’s facility located in West Caldwell, New Jersey, prior to the initial recall announcement on November 25, 2025. The FDA later updated the recall status on January 6, 2026, categorizing it as Class I. This classification indicates a “reasonable probability” of serious adverse health consequences or death from exposure to the contaminated product.
Recalled Cheese Products
- Locatelli – Grated Pecorino Romano:
- 4 oz and 8 oz plastic cups; lot numbers 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485.
- 5 and 10-pound plastic bags; lot numbers 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477.
- 48/8oz shipper in plastic cups; lot numbers 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514.
- Pinna – Grated Pecorino Romano:
- 10-pound plastic bags; lot number 1000572486.
- Boar’s Head – Grated Pecorino Romano:
- 6 oz plastic cups; lot number 1000572486.
- 5-pound plastic bag; lot numbers 1000570093 and 1000570738.
- Sam’s – Pecorino Romano grated:
- 1.5-pound plastic bags; lot numbers 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513.
- Ambriola – Piccante grated Pecorino Romano:
- 5 and 10-pound plastic bags; lot numbers 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, and 1000572487.
- Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club brand):
- Pecorino Romano 1.5-pound Bag; expiration dates 03/25/26, 03/30/26, and 04/05/26.
Distribution of Affected Products
The affected cheese products were sold across 20 states, including:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Consumer Guidance
If you have purchased these recalled cheese products, do not consume them. Proper actions include discarding the items or returning them to the original place of purchase for a full refund. For any inquiries, consumers can contact Ambriola at 1-800-962-8224, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
Understanding Listeria Poisoning
Listeria, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, can lead to serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal issues
For those in high-risk categories experiencing flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated cheese, seeking medical attention promptly is advisable.
