A nationwide recall of cheese products has been escalated to a Class I designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following the detection of a dangerous bacterium. This reclassification, announced in an enforcement report on January 6, 2026, indicates a serious health risk associated with the affected products.
The FDA’s Class I recall signifies a “reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, [the] product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” The heightened concern is linked to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Although no illnesses related to this recall have been reported, the potential severity of listeriosis, the disease caused by the bacterium, necessitates immediate attention.
The original recall was initiated by The Ambriola Company on November 25, 2025, after routine testing identified traces of listeria in cheese samples from its manufacturing facility in New Jersey. While healthy individuals might experience mild symptoms like high fever, headache, or gastrointestinal issues, the infection poses greater risks for high-risk groups, including the potential for miscarriage and death.
Details of the Recalled Products
The recall encompasses several cheese varieties, categorized into two groups: products sold directly to consumers and those sold by the pound for commercial use. The following items are included in the recall:
1. **Consumer Products:**
– *Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano* in 4-ounce and 8-ounce cups (12 units per case). Recall No. H-0367-2026. Lot numbers: 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485. Approximately 6,632 units recalled.
– *Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano* in 5- and 10-pound bags. Recall No. H-0368-2026. Lot numbers: 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477. Around 964 bags recalled.
– *Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano* in 10-pound bags (two per case). Recall No. H-0369-2026. Lot number: 1000572486. About 45 bags recalled.
– *Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano* in 6-ounce cups (12 units per case). Recall No. H-0370-2026. Lot number: 1000572486. Approximately 2,106 units recalled.
2. **Bulk Products:**
– *Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) Pecorino Romano Grated* in 1.5-pound bags (12 units per case). Recall No. H-0371-2026. Lot numbers: 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513. About 1,015 bags recalled.
– *Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated* in 5-pound bags. Recall No. H-0372-2026. Lot numbers: 1000570093, 1000570738. Approximately 405 bags recalled.
– *Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano* in 5- and 10-pound bags. Recall No. H-0373-2026. Lot numbers: 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, 1000572487. About 179 bags recalled.
– *Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano* in 8-ounce cups (48 units per case). Recall No. H-0374-2026. Lot numbers: 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514. Approximately 184 units recalled.
Consumers and retailers are advised to check their stocks and dispose of any products that fall under the recall. The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and urges anyone who may experience symptoms after consuming the recalled products to seek medical attention immediately.
As the investigation progresses, the FDA is committed to ensuring food safety and protecting public health against potential threats posed by contaminated products.
