FDA Expands Major Cheese Recall in 20 States

If you’ve sprinkled pecorino Romano onto pasta or into your soup lately, now is a good time to check your fridge—and possibly your freezer too. Several grated pecorino Romano cheese products were recalled late last year after testing found listeria monocytogenes.

Though the Ambriola Company first announced the recall in November 2025, it was upgraded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Class I on January 6, 2026.

A Class I recall is the highest risk level. This means that eating or being exposed to the recalled products could cause serious health problems or death. While the cheeses are no longer being sold, consumers may still have them at home.

What caused the recall?

Ambriola says the recall happened after routine testing confirmed the presence of listeria monocytogenes. The company also states that no illnesses have been reported to date, but advises anyone with symptoms to contact a healthcare provider.

Listeria can cause an infection called listeriosis. The CDC notes it’s most likely to seriously affect pregnant people, newborns, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms vary depending on the type of illness, but can include fever and flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue.

What stores sold the pecorino Romano?

According to Ambriola, the recalled products were distributed to retail stores and distributors in these states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

The cheeses were sold under multiple brand names listed in the company announcement, including Ambriola, Boar’s Head, Locatelli, Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) and Pinna.

How do I know if I have a recalled pecorino Romano?

First, check the brand and product type. The FDA’s recall post includes product photos, which can help you match packaging.

If your product matches one of the recalled items, look for the lot number. Reported lot numbers include:

Locatelli grated pecorino Romano 

• Size: 4- and 8-ounce plastic cups and lids
• Lot codes: 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485

Locatelli grated pecorino Romano 

• Size: 5- and 10-pound bags
• Lot numbers: 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477

Locatelli grated pecorino Romano 

• Size: 8-ounce cups, 48-unit shipper case
• Lot numbers: 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514

Pinna grated pecorino Romano 

• Size: 10-pound bags
• Lot number: 1000572486

Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) pecorino Romano grated

• Size: 1-1/2-pound plastic bags
• Lot numbers: 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513

Boar’s Head grated pecorino Romano

• Size: 6-ounce plastic cups and lids
• Lot number: 1000572486

Boar’s Head pecorino Romano grated

• Size: 5-pound plastic bags
• Lot numbers: 1000570093, 1000570738

Ambriola Piccante grated pecorino Romano

• Size: 5- and 10-pound plastic bags
• Lot numbers: 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, 1000572487

What should I do next?

If you have one of the recalled cheeses, do not eat it. Ambriola says customers should dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If you ate a recalled product and you’re feeling ill, please seek medical attention.