FDA posts nationwide cheese recall tied to Listeria risk; consumers warned to check Pecorino Romano products
The FDA published details of a recall involving grated Pecorino Romano cheese sold under several brand names after testing found potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Officials say consumers should not eat affected products and should return or discard items with specific date codes and expiration ranges.
- Published
- Updated
Recall targets multiple popular brand names
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published a recall notice for select grated Pecorino Romano cheese products because of a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination risk. The recalled items were sold under multiple brand names, including Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna and Boar’s Head, and were distributed nationwide through retail stores and distributors.
According to the FDA notice, the company initiated the recall after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria in certain products, and it also pulled additional items processed at the same facility out of caution. The agency notes that Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in higher-risk individuals, including older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
What consumers should do
Consumers who have the affected cheese should not consume it. The FDA and the recalling company advise disposing of the products or returning them to the place of purchase for a refund. People who believe they may have become ill should contact a healthcare provider, particularly if they are in a higher-risk group.
The recall notice includes product descriptions and expiration dates covering late winter through spring 2026, depending on the product format and packaging. Because grated cheese can remain in refrigerators or freezers for extended periods, households are encouraged to check containers carefully, including bulk products sold by variable weight.
Key details to check
- Brand names listed: Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, Boar’s Head.
- Product type: grated Pecorino Romano cheese sold in cups, bags, and bulk weights.
- If you have a match, do not eat it; discard or return it and clean surfaces that may have contacted the product.
- Watch for symptoms and consult a clinician if concerned, especially if pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised.
The company said it suspended production and distribution of affected products while reviewing sanitation and food-safety procedures and working with regulators. Consumers seeking more information can consult the FDA recall posting for product identifiers and updates.