FDA Gives Pecorino Romano Cheese Recall Its Highest Risk Classification
The recall involves grated cheeses from Ambriola, Boar’s Head, Locatelli, Pinna, and Sam’s Club that may be contaminated with listeria
A November recall of grated pecorino romano cheese that may be contaminated with listeria is getting new attention after the Food and Drug Administration gave it a Class I designation on Jan. 6.
| Retail Product (Exact Weight) | Expiration Dates |
| Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 4-oz. cup | 05/03/26, 05/10/26, 05/17/26 |
| Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano 8-oz. cup | 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 | 03/04/26, 03/12/2026 |
| Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) Pecorino Romano, 1.5-lb. bag | 03/25/26, 03/30/26, 04/05/26 |
| Grated Products Sold by the Pound | Expiration Dates |
| Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano | 03/04/26, 03/06/26, 03/11/26, 03/13/26 |
| Ambriola Grated Pecorino Romano | 02/28/26, 03/04/26, 03/11/26 |
| Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano | 03/11/26 |
| Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano | 03/03/26, 03/12/26 |
The Ambriola Company did not immediately respond to CR’s questions about whether any additional products have been recalled since the original announcement, or whether there was new testing that indicated a greater risk of listeria contamination than previously thought.
Consumers with questions can contact the Ambriola Company at 800-962-8224, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
The Risk of Listeria
Listeria causes fewer illnesses each year than other foodborne bacteria, such as salmonella or E. coli. When illness does occur, usually within two weeks of exposure, symptoms can range from fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches that last a few days to potentially life-threatening damage to the brain and spinal cord. Very young children, people 65 and older, and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to get a listeria infection and become very ill. Listeria can also cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in a newborn, even if the pregnant person doesn’t get sick.
