FDA raises cheese recall to highest risk level; products sold in New Jersey and other states
Federal health officials have upgraded a recall of grated Pecorino Romano cheese distributed to multiple states, including New Jersey, to their highest level of concern after testing found possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified the recall as Class I, meaning there is a reasonable probability that use of the affected products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The recall involves grated cheese products manufactured by Ambriola Co., Inc., based in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
The FDA said the recall applies to products distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
The recall affects more than 11,000 units and bags of grated cheese sold under several brand names. All of the products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, older adults, newborns and people with weakened immune systems.
The recalled products include the following items:
• Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano 4-ounce and 8-ounce plastic cups (12 units per case), recall number H-0367-2026. A total of 6,632 units are affected.
• Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano 5-pound and 10-pound plastic bags, recall number H-0368-2026. A total of 964 bags are affected.
• Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano 10-pound plastic bags, recall number H-0369-2026. A total of 45 bags are affected.
• Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano 6-ounce plastic cups (12 units per case), recall number H-0370-2026. A total of 2,106 units are affected.
• Sam’s Pecorino Romano Grated 1.5-pound plastic bags (12 units per case), recall number H-0371-2026. A total of 1,015 bags are affected.
• Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated 5-pound plastic bags, recall number H-0372-2026. A total of 405 bags are affected.
• Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano 5-pound and 10-pound plastic bags, recall number H-0373-2026. A total of 179 bags are affected.
• Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano 48-count shipper cases of 8-ounce plastic cups, recall number H-0374-2026. A total of 184 units are affected.
Consumers should visit the FDA’s website for complete product details.
The FDA said the recall was initiated Nov. 21, 2025, after routine testing identified the bacteria. No termination date has been set.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea, and in severe cases can lead to bloodstream infections, miscarriage or death. Consumers who believe they may have become ill after consuming the recalled cheese are advised to contact a health care provider.
Customers who purchased the recalled cheeses should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
