Key Highlights
- A large-scale cheese recall has been issued due to potential contamination with listeria.
- The affected cheese products were produced by the Ambriola Company and distributed in 20 states.
- Listeria can cause serious illness or death, especially among older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
- Consumers are advised to discard any of the recalled products or return them for a refund.
A Cheese Recall Spreads Across 20 States Due to Listeria Concerns
Grocery shelves nationwide face a potential health risk with a recent recall of cheese products, classified as potentially deadly by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves over thousands of containers of pecorino romano cheese sold in 20 states, including major retail chains like Sam’s Club.
The Contamination Source
According to an FDA report, routine testing at Ambriola Company’s processing plant in West Caldwell, New Jersey, revealed contamination with listeria. This led to a Class I recall on November 25th, which was later updated on January 6th, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Health Risks and Consumer Advice
Listeria is a serious bacterial pathogen that can lead to severe illness or death, particularly among older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals in higher-risk categories to seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms within two months after consuming potentially contaminated food.
Consumers are strongly advised not to consume the recalled cheese products and should discard them or return them to their point of purchase for a full refund. Ambriola Company’s CEO, Phil Marfuggi, stated in a statement shared by the FDA: “We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves.” The company is working closely with the FDA to fully understand the situation.
Scope of the Recall
The recalled cheese products were sold between November 3, 2025, and November 20, 2025, and have expiration dates through May 2026. A comprehensive list of affected product details is provided for consumers to check against their inventory:
- Locatelli – Grated Pecorino Romano (4 oz and 8 oz plastic cups; specific lot numbers)
- Pecorino Romano (5 and 10-pound plastic bags, specific lot numbers)
- Grated Pecorino Romano (48/8oz Shipper in plastic cups; specific lot numbers)
- Pinna – Grated Pecorino Romano (2/10, 10-pound plastic bags; specific lot number)
- Boar’s Head – Grated Pecorino Romano (6 oz plastic cups; specific lot number)
- Pecorino Romano Grated (5-pound plastic bag; specific lot numbers)
- Sam’s – Pecorino Romano grated, 1.5-pound Plastic Bags (specific lot numbers)
- Ambriola – Piccante grated Pecorino Romano (5 and 10-pound plastic bags; specific lot numbers)
- Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club brand) – Pecorino Romano 1.5-pound Bag with specific expiration dates
No other products from Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, or Boar’s Head are included in this recall.
Where the Recalled Cheeses Were Sold
The cheese was distributed across 20 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. A map can be accessed for a detailed view of the affected regions.
Consumers with questions can contact Ambriola at 1-800-962-8224, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
If you believe you may have experienced symptoms after consuming any of these products, seek medical attention immediately.
The safety and health of consumers remain the top priority for food manufacturers and regulatory agencies. This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough testing and swift action in ensuring the safety of our food supply.