The FDA has upgraded a recall of grated Pecorino Romano cheese to Class I status—the agency’s highest risk level—due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can lead to serious infections and, in severe cases, death.

The recall, originally issued by The Ambriola Company in late November 2025, was elevated on January 6, 2026, following routine testing that confirmed the presence of Listeria in the products. No illnesses have been reported linked to this recall so far. Listeria is a leading cause of death from foodborne illness, though infections are relatively rare, and it poses the greatest risk to pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

The affected products were distributed to retailers and distributors between November 3 and November 20, 2025. While initially described as nationwide, updated information specifies distribution 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.
Recalled Products and Lot Numbers

The recall covers the following grated Pecorino Romano cheeses:

•  Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano: 6-oz plastic cup (lot 1000572486); 5-lb plastic bag (lots 1000570093, 1000570738)
•  Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano: 2/10, 10-lb plastic bags (lot 1000572486)
•  Sam’s Pecorino Romano grated: 1.5-lb plastic bag (lots 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513)
•  Ambriola Piccante grated Pecorino Romano: 5-lb and 10-lb plastic bags (lots 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, 1000572487)
•  Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano: 4-oz and 8-oz plastic cups (lots 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485); 5-lb and 10-lb plastic bags (lots 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477); 48/8-oz Shipper plastic cup (lots 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514)

If you have any of these products, do not consume them. Discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

If you believe you’ve eaten the recalled cheese, watch for symptoms of Listeria infection, including fever, flu-like symptoms (such as muscle aches and fatigue), headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. Seek medical attention if symptoms appear, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
This rewritten summary is based on the original article from Health.com.

Original article by Jenna Anderson, published January 12, 2026, on Health.com: https://www.health.com/cheese-recall-update-january-2026-11883885