Nationwide Pecorino Romano Cheese Recall Escalated to Highest Risk Level

Published: January 13, 2026

A major food safety emergency has just been issued involving multiple brands of Pecorino Romano cheese, now classified as a Class I recall by the FDA—the most serious level, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause serious illness or death.

Why the Recall? Listeria Contamination Confirmed

Routine FDA testing identified Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous pathogen that poses severe risks—especially to pregnant women, older adults, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.

Listeria can cause:

• High fever

• Severe headache

• Muscle stiffness

• Confusion

• Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea

• Miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant individuals

So far, no illnesses have been reported, but the risk remains high, prompting nationwide urgency.

Brands & Products Affected

The recall impacts thousands of units distributed between Nov 3–20, 2025 across 20+ U.S. states. Brands include:

• Locatelli

• Boar’s Head

• Pinna

• Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club)

• Ambriola

Examples of recalled items include:

• Locatelli 4 oz & 8 oz grated cups

• Boar’s Head 6 oz grated cups

• Member’s Mark 1.5 lb bags

• Ambriola Piccante 5–10 lb grated bags

• Pinna 10 lb grated bags

Many of these products were sold both in consumer-size packaging and bulk food‑service bags to grocery stores, delis, and restaurants nationwide. 6

Where the Affected Cheese Was Distributed

Recalled cheese products reached over 20 states, including:

AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, ME, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA, WI.

Major retailers that carried affected products include:

• Walmart

• Target

• H-E-B

• Sam’s Club

What Consumers Should Do NOW

Do NOT eat any of the listed Pecorino Romano products.

Discard immediately OR return to the store for a full refund.

Check lot numbers and expiration dates listed in FDA recall notices.

If you consumed any of these products and develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.

About the Source of the Contamination

All recalled products trace back to the Ambriola Company facility in West Caldwell, New Jersey, where routine testing detected Listeria beginning in late November.

Ambriola leadership states they are cooperating fully with the FDA and removing affected items from distribution channels.

Chef Hour Takeaway

This is one of the most significant dairy recalls in recent years, now elevated to Class I status, underscoring serious potential health impacts. Food professionals—chefs, caterers, restaurant managers—should immediately review inventory to ensure contaminated product is not being served.