Cheese recalled in 2025 across 20 states escalated to highest FDA risk over listeria

A cheese recall issued in 2025 involving several thousand containers of grated cheese has been escalated to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s highest risk category over listeria contamination. The FDA on Tuesday upgraded the recall to Class I, its most serious designation, citing a “reasonable probability” that consumption of the affected products could result in ‘serious health consequences or death.’

Cheese recall 2026: FDA raises risk level months after initial action

The recall was originally issued in November by the Ambriola Company, a New Jersey-based importer of Italian food products, after more than 11,500 units of grated Pecorino Romano cheese tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. While the products were pulled from shelves late last year, the FDA’s latest assessment places the Cheese recall 2026 among the most severe food safety incidents currently on record.

What is listeria and why it matters in the Cheese recall 2026

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by Listeria bacteria, commonly linked to deli meats, hot dogs, and soft or processed cheeses, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and diarrhea.

Health experts warn that listeria poses a higher risk to pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, the infection can be life-threatening, though it is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Cheese recall 2026 affects products shipped to 20 U.S. states

According to the FDA, the recalled cheese products were distributed across 20 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Cheese recall 2026: Full list of affected Pecorino Romano products

The recall covers eight grated Pecorino Romano products sold in bags, cups and bulk packaging under multiple well-known brands:

• Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated (4-ounce cup)
  Expiration dates: 05/03/26, 05/10/26, 05/17/26
  
• Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano (8-ounce cup)
  Expiration dates range from 04/06/26 to 05/17/26
  
• Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano (6-ounce cup)
  Expiration dates: 03/04/26, 03/12/26
  
• Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano (1.5-pound bag)
  Expiration dates: 03/25/26, 03/30/26, 04/05/26
  
• Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound)
  Expiration dates: 03/04/26, 03/06/26, 03/11/26, 03/13/26
  
• Ambriola Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound)
  Expiration dates: 02/28/26, 03/04/26, 03/11/26
  
• Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano (sold by the pound)
  Expiration date: 03/11/26
  
• Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated bag (sold by the pound)
  Expiration dates: 03/03/26, 03/12/26
  

What consumers should do amid Cheese recall 2026

The FDA advises consumers not to eat any recalled products and to dispose of them immediately. The Cheese recall 2026 remains under FDA monitoring as officials continue to assess the public health impact of the contamination.