Several cheese products from a New Jersey-based company have been recalled in at least 20 states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As of January 6, the cheese products were under a Class 1 recall classification, meaning there is a “reasonable probability” that the product could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.” The recall was first rolled out on November 25, 2025.
The products from The Ambriola Company, based out of West Caldwell, NJ, first issued the recall after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes deadly infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
The ongoing recall of grated Pecorino Romano products sold under different brands impacted the following states:
| Arizona | Maine |
| California | New Jersey |
| Colorado | New York |
| Connecticut | Ohio |
| Delaware | Oregon |
| Florida | Pennsylvania |
| Georgia | Texas |
| Illinois | Virginia |
| Indiana | Washington |
| Massachusetts | Wisconsin |
“We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves,” said Phil Marfuggi, chief executive officer of The Ambriola Company in a statement. “We are working closely with the FDA and continuing to test our products and facilities to fully understand the situation.”
The products included in the recall are the following:
- Locatelli
- Grated Pecorino Romano 4 oz and 8 oz plastic cup & lid, 12 units per case (Lot Numbers: 1000572472 1000570734 1000570735 1000570736 1000572482 1000572483 1000572485)
- Grated Pecorino Romano, 5 and 10-pound plastic bags (units) (Lot numbers: 1000570725 1000572476 1000570724 1000572475 1000570726 1000570727 1000572477)
- Grated Pecorino Romano 48/8oz Shipper, Plastic Cup & Lid, 48 units per case (Lot numbers: 1000570750 1000572499 1000572514)
- Pinna
- Grated Pecorino Romano 2/10, 10-pound plastic bags (units) (Lot number(s): 1000572486)
- Boar’s Head
- Grated Pecorino Romano, 6 oz Plastic Cup & Lid, 12 units per case (Lot number(s): 1000572486)
- Pecorino Romano Grated, 5-pound plastic bag (unit) (Lot number(s): 1000570093 1000570738)
- Sam’s
- Pecorino Romano grated, 1.5 lb Plastic Bags, 12 units per case (Lot number(s): 1000570107 1000570766 1000572513)
- Ambriola
- Piccante grated Pecorino Romano, 5 and 10-pound plastic bags (units) (Lot number(s): 1000572981 1000570737 1000570092 1000572487)
No other Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, or Boar’s Head products are included in the recall.
Customers who have purchased the affected products should not consume them and should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For more information, please contact Ambriola at 1-800-962-8224, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time).
How does Listeria make people sick?
People get sick from Listeria when they eat food contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms can be mild and include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
Listeria infection is tricky because symptoms can start quickly, within a few hours or days after eating contaminated food. But they can also take weeks or even up to three months to appear.
Those most vulnerable to getting sick include very young children, people over 65, and people with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.
What symptoms are linked to Listeria?
Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and can also lead to a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Symptoms can appear quickly or up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food. The infection is especially dangerous for people over 65, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
