FDA Flags High-Risk Cheese Recall, Older Adults Should Take Caution
There is a Class I recall tied to grated Pecorino Romano cheese across 20 states, covering multiple brands linked to The Ambriola Company. If you have or know someone with grated Pecorino in the fridge, it’s important to read on.
As highlighted by Delish, the FDA’s Class I upgrade means there’s a high probability the recalled cheese could cause serious health consequences, even death, if it’s consumed.
This is the top severity level. So treat the product like it’s contaminated until you have checked all details.
What to look out for
The FDA states that the following products need to be looked out for:
- Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated (4 oz. cup): Expiration dates: 05/03/26, 05/10/26, 05/17/26
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano (8 oz. cup): Expiration dates: 04/06/26, 04/11/26, 04/12/26, 04/15/26, 04/17/26, 05/05/26, 05/06/26, 05/07/26, 05/10/26, 05/12/26, 05/14/26, 05/17/26
- Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano (6 oz. cup): Expiration dates: 03/04/26, 03/12/2026
- Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano (1.5 lb. bag): Expiration dates: 03/25/26, 03/30/26, 04/05/26
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound): Expiration dates: 03/04/26, 03/06/26, 03/11/26, 03/13/26
- Ambriola Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound): Expiration dates: 02/28/26, 03/04/26, 03/11/26
- Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound): Expiration dates: 03/11/26
- Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated (bag, sold by the pound): Expiration dates: 03/03/26, 03/12/26
Many of these dates are far enough out that you may have it sitting in the back of the fridge. So it’s recommended that you check.
Who’s most at risk?
The FDA notes, Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in frail or elderly people, or in those with weakened immune systems.
Whereas healthy adults may only get short-term symptoms including fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. Yet, it is not worth the gamble.
It’s important to emphasize that you should not go on what you usually buy. Instead, check your fridge and storage, check against the recall list above or on the FDA website, and if you find it, and it’s open, throw it away and wash your hands after.
Additionally, as it’s on the recall list, don’t taste-test. This is not about a product looking off, it’s about bacterial problems you cannot see.
Dispose of it or return it to the store for a refund. This is what the FDA recall notice instructs consumers to do.
States impacted
Newsweek reported that the recalled products were distributed across 20 states. If you live in, travel through, or shop for family in any of these places, make sure you check to check:
- Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware
- Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts
- Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon
- Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
Ambriola hits pause
According to the FDA’s company announcement, the issue was found after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The company said it pulled additional products processed at the same West Caldwell, New Jersey facility out of an abundance of caution.
The notice said no illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement, and Ambriola suspended production and distribution of affected products to review sanitation and food safety procedures.
Simply Recipes noted that the affected products were distributed between November 3 and November 20, 2025, which matters because it lines up with holiday shopping and bigger family meals, when grated cheese tends to get used more often.
If you have already ate it
If you think you ate the recalled cheese and you feel sick, contact your healthcare provider, especially if you’re in a higher-risk group.
Even if you have milder symptoms, it is worth taking seriously with this bacteria.
For questions about the recall itself, the FDA notice includes Ambriola’s consumer contact line and hours, which can help if you’re trying to confirm you’ve got the right product before you clean out the fridge.
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