If you like shredded cheese, this warning could affect you. One of the largest importers and distributors of specialty cheese from Italy has issued recalls for seven different products that tested positive for listeria, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The recalls were initiated by The Ambriola Company’s headquarters in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
While the recalls were initiated at the end of November, the FDA assigned classifications for the contaminated products on Tuesday.
The FDA said in an updated enforcement report released Jan. 6 that the recall has been reclassified as Class I, its highest level of concern.
The reclassification is tied to the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly among pregnant women, older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems. The disease produced by the bacteria is commonly referred to as listeria.
No illnesses linked to the recall have been confirmed.
The original recall by The Ambriola Company came on Nov. 25, 2025 after routine testing found traces of the listeria bacteria in samples of cheese produced at the company’s New Jersey manufacturing facility.
Healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
But the infection can cause serious health concerns among the elderly, young and pregnant, including the possibility of death and miscarriage.
Four of the eight products were sold directly to consumers, while another four were sold by the pound for large-scale cooking.
What Products are Affected?
Recalled cheese products for consumer cooking:
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 4-ounce and 8-ounce plastic cups with lids (12 units per case).
Recall No. H-0367-2026.
Lot numbers: 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485.
About 6,632 units recalled. - Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 5- and 10-pound plastic bags.
Recall No. H-0368-2026.
Lot numbers: 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477.
About 964 bags recalled. - Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano, 10-pound plastic bags (two per case).
Recall No. H-0369-2026.
Lot number: 1000572486.
About 45 bags recalled. - Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano, 6-ounce plastic cups with lids (12 units per case).
Recall No. H-0370-2026.
Lot number: 1000572486.
About 2,106 units recalled.
Recalled cheese products sold by the pound:
- Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) Pecorino Romano Grated, 1.5-pound plastic bags (12 units per case).
Recall No. H-0371-2026.
Lot numbers: 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513.
About 1,015 bags recalled. - Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated, 5-pound plastic bags.
Recall No. H-0372-2026.
Lot numbers: 1000570093, 1000570738.
About 405 bags recalled. - Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano, 5- and 10-pound plastic bags.
Recall No. H-0373-2026.
Lot numbers: 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, 1000572487.
About 179 bags recalled. - Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 8-ounce plastic cups with lids (48 units per case).
Recall No. H-0374-2026.
Lot numbers: 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514.
About 184 units recalled.
Where Were the Products Distributed?
The recalled products were distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
What Happens if you Eat the Affected Products?
If you eat food that you suspect might be contaminated with listeria, here’s what usually happens — and what you should do.
Why Listeria is So Dangerous
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in contaminated food like:
- Deli meats
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurized milk
- Smoked seafood
- Pre-cut fruits and vegetables
- Refrigerated ready-to-eat meals
Unlike most bacteria, listeria grows in the refrigerator, which is why it’s so dangerous. If infection happens, symptoms usually appear 3–30 days later (sometimes up to 70 days).
Mild Infections can Happen (most common):
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
It may seem like a severe stomach bug at first. This often resolves on its own in healthy adults.
Severe Infections May Occur (dangerous):
Listeria can invade the bloodstream or brain, causing:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Severe headache
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
This form is called invasive listeriosis and it can be fatal if untreated.
Who is most at risk?
These groups can get very sick from even a small exposure:
- Pregnant women
- People over 60
- Anyone with weakened immune systems
- Cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV
For pregnant women:
- It may cause only mild flu-like symptoms
- It can also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth
Should you get tested?
There’s no reason to get tested unless you have symptoms. Currently, there isn’t a test that can tell if listeria is in your body before symptoms start.
When to Call a Doctor
Call or go in immediately if:
- You ate a recalled or suspicious food and
- You develop fever, body aches, or flu-like symptoms
- Pregnant? Call even for mild symptoms.
Listeria is treated with antibiotics, but only if caught early.
What You Can do Right Now
If you just ate something suspicious:
- Do not eat any more of it
- Throw it away
- Wash your hands and any surfaces it touched
- Watch for symptoms for the next 2 months
Customers are instructed not to consume the affected products and to either dispose of them or return them for a refund.
Anyone who has symptoms of Listeria infection is urged to contact their healthcare provider.
