Federal food safety officials have elevated a nationwide recall of grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the most serious risk category after laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly foodborne bacterium. The action underscores growing concern that consumers may still have the affected products in their homes weeks after distribution ended.
The recall involves grated Pecorino Romano cheese produced by The Ambriola Company and sold under several brand labels, including Locatelli. The affected products were distributed to retail stores and food distributors across the United States between November 3 and November 20. Because of the broad distribution window and the long shelf life of hard cheeses, regulators say the risk of exposure remains even though the products are no longer being shipped.
The Food and Drug Administration has now classified the recall as a Class I recall, its highest designation. This category is reserved for situations in which there is a reasonable probability that consumption of the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The decision followed confirmatory testing that detected Listeria monocytogenes in samples connected to the recalled cheese.
Among the products included in the recall are Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano cheeses sold in four-ounce and eight-ounce plastic cups with lids. These items were packaged in cases containing 12 units and identified by specific lot numbers that trace back to the same production period. Additional Pecorino Romano products distributed under other brand names were also produced using the same supply chain, prompting a wider recall than initially anticipated.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that disproportionately affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, gastrointestinal distress, and confusion. In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and become life-threatening.
Health officials note that hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano are not commonly associated with listeria outbreaks, which is one reason the upgraded recall has drawn attention. The bacterium can survive and grow in refrigerated environments, allowing contamination to persist if not properly controlled during processing.
As of the latest update from federal regulators, no confirmed illnesses have been publicly linked to the recalled products. However, officials emphasize that the absence of reported cases does not eliminate the risk, particularly given the severity of listeriosis and the time it can take for symptoms to appear after exposure.
Consumers who purchased grated Pecorino Romano cheese during the affected period are urged to check packaging carefully and avoid consuming any product associated with the recall. The FDA advises disposing of the cheese or returning it to the place of purchase, even if it appears normal in smell and appearance.
The Ambriola Company has suspended production of the affected items while it conducts an internal investigation and works with regulators to address potential contamination sources. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and has encouraged consumers experiencing symptoms consistent with listeriosis to seek medical attention promptly.