Multiple popular speciality cheese brands have been pulled from shelves across the United States following a severe food safety warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall, triggered by potential listeria contamination, has been escalated to the agency's most serious risk classification.
High-Risk Recall: What You Need to Know
The Ambriola Company initiated the recall of select cheese products, including several sold under the well-known Boar's Head brand, on 25 November 2025. This action came after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria. Earlier this week, the FDA officially categorised the event as a Class I recall.
This classification is the highest risk warning the FDA issues. It signifies a "reasonable probability" that consuming the product "will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the agency's guidelines.
Affected Products and Distribution
The recalled items are all varieties of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Consumers are urged to check their kitchens for the following products:
- Ambriola Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound)
- Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano 6-ounce cup
- Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated bag (sold by the pound)
- Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated 4-ounce and 8-ounce cups
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound)
- Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano 1.5-pound bag
- Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound)
The contaminated batches were distributed to retailers in 20 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Health Risks and Company Response
Listeria infection can be particularly severe for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. The company's recall notice warns that for healthy individuals, symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. For pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Phil Marfuggi, Chief Executive Officer of The Ambriola Company, stated, "We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves." He confirmed the company is cooperating fully with the FDA and conducting further testing. At the time of the initial recall notice, no related illnesses had been reported.
Customers who have purchased any of the listed products should not consume them. They are advised to dispose of the cheese immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
