The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its highest-risk warning for more than 11,500 units of recalled dairy products sold across 19 states, citing the potential for Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Among the items affected are 2,106 six-ounce containers of Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano and 405-pound bags of Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated, according to a Jan. 6 FDA enforcement report.
The recall, initially issued two months ago by the Ambriola Company, covered eight varieties of cheeses. This week, the FDA upgraded the alert to a Class 1 designation, its most serious category. According to the agency, a Class 1 recall indicates a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to the product could result in serious injury or death.
Class 2 recalls signal potential for temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, while Class 3 recalls are typically reserved for regulatory violations unlikely to pose health risks, such as labeling errors.
Ambriola Company CEO Phil Marfuggi emphasized the company’s swift response. “We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves,” he said in a Nov. 26, 2025 FDA notice. “We are working closely with the FDA and continuing to test our products and facilities to fully understand the situation.”
The recalled cheeses include:
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Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano 6 oz. cups
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Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated pound bags
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Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated 4 oz. cups
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Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano 8 oz. cups
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Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano 1.5 lb. bags
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Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano pound bags
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Ambriola Grated Pecorino Romano pound bags
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Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano pound bags
The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Boar’s Head noted on its website that the recall was “an isolated incident related to Ambriola” and that no other Boar’s Head products from other facilities are affected.
Listeria monocytogenes is considered one of the most serious foodborne pathogens in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, particularly affecting young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Infections can manifest as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. These symptoms are sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. The FDA and CDC continue to advise consumers to check their homes for the recalled products and discard any affected items immediately.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
