At a Glance
- Class I recall for grated Pecorino Romano sold under five brands
- Listeria monocytogenes detected in routine testing by Ambriola Company
- Products distributed in 20 states from late November through early January
Why it matters: Listeria can cause fatal infections in children, seniors, and anyone with a weakened immune system, with symptoms delayed up to 10 weeks.
A New Jersey-based cheese maker has pulled multiple grated Pecorino Romano products from store shelves across half the country after routine tests found Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can kill vulnerable consumers.
Which Products Are Affected
The Ambriola Company, headquartered in West Caldwell, New Jersey, recalled cheese sold under five brand names:
- Locatelli
- Pinna
- Boar’s Head
- Sam’s
- Ambriola
Each brand packages the cheese in different sizes, from 4-ounce cups to 10-pound bags. Every recalled lot number appears on the FDA’s Class I recall list, meaning health officials believe the product carries a “reasonable probability” of causing “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Where the Cheese Was Sold
Shipments reached grocery stores and distributors in:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
The recall began in late November and remains active as of January 6.
What Consumers Should Do
Customers who bought any of the listed products should:
- Stop eating the cheese immediately
- Discard the remaining portion
- Return the container to the place of purchase for a full refund
Questions can be directed to Ambriola at 1-800-962-8224, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Company Response
Phil Marfuggi, chief executive officer of The Ambriola Company, said the firm acted as soon as testing confirmed contamination.
“We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves,” Marfuggi stated. “We are working closely with the FDA and continuing to test our products and facilities to fully understand the situation.”
How Listeria Infections Develop
People become ill when they eat food tainted with Listeria bacteria. Once inside the body, the infection can trigger:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
More severe cases progress to:
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
Symptoms may surface within hours or days, but the bacterium can also lurk silently for weeks-or even three months-before illness appears.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk
Listeria poses the greatest danger to:
- Very young children
- Adults 65 and older
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
- Pregnant women
If a vulnerable person develops a fever or other signs of listeriosis after eating the recalled cheese, they should seek medical care and tell the doctor about the possible exposure.
Full List of Recalled Lot Numbers
Locatelli
- Grated Pecorino Romano 4 oz and 8 oz plastic cup & lid: 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485
- Grated Pecorino Romano 5 and 10-pound plastic bags: 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477
- Grated Pecorino Romano 48/8 oz Shipper: 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514
Pinna
- Grated Pecorino Romano 2/10, 10-pound plastic bags: 1000572486
Boar’s Head
- Grated Pecorino Romano 6 oz Plastic Cup & Lid: 1000572486
- Pecorino Romano Grated 5-pound plastic bag: 1000570093, 1000570738
Sam’s
- Pecorino Romano grated 1.5 lb Plastic Bags: 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513
Ambriola
- Piccante grated Pecorino Romano 5 and 10-pound plastic bags: 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, 1000572487
No other products under these brands are part of the recall.
