What You Need to Know About the Pecorino Romano Cheese Recall​

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has upgraded its voluntary recall of Pecorino Romano cheese to the highest risk level and expanded it to 20 states, including Virginia.

According to news reports, the recall has received a Class 1 designation, which, according to the FDA, means “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Which Pecorino Products Were Recalled?

The following brands and products of Pecorino Romano cheese are affected:

• Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated 4 and 8-ounce plastic cups with lids
• Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano 6-ounce cup with lid
• Member’s Mark (a private label from Sam’s Club) Pecorino Romano 1.5-pound bag
• Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 5 and 10-pound plastic bags
• Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano, 5 and 10-pound plastic bags
• Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano, 10-pound plastic bags
• Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated, 5-pound plastic bags

The recalled products were distributed to stores nationwide between November 3 and November 20, 2025.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, and it thrives in cool, damp environments. When food comes into contact with surfaces contaminated with Listeria, the bacteria can grow rapidly on the food, even after cleaning or sanitizing efforts.

This bacterium is commonly found in foods such as luncheon meats, unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, smoked seafood, and salads. It is also present in soil, where it can contaminate raw fruits and vegetables.

Eating food contaminated with Listeria can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection that may cause severe illness or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1,600 people in the United States develop listeriosis each year, and approximately 260 of those cases result in death.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but can include:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Vomitting
• Fever and chills
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Loss of balance
• Confusions or changes in alertness
• Seizures

Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious illness from Listeria infections.

What to Do If You Have Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Follow these steps if you have any of the recalled Pecorino Romano cheese in your refrigerator:

• Check the product: Not all Pecorino Romano cheeses are being recalled. First, verify that the cheese is not only one of the brands being recalled, but the “Use By” date is listed on the official recall notice.
• Do not eat: Even if you think the cheese is safe, do not consume it. You will not be able to smell or taste the contamination.
• Return or discard: Safely dispose of the cheese by placing it in a plastic bag so animals cannot access it. You can also try to return the product for a refund.
• See a doctor if you feel ill: If you start experiencing any of the symptoms above, go see the doctor right away. You should also report your illness to the FDA.

If you or a family member suffered a serious illness after consuming the recalled cheese, Regan Zambri Long can help.

Contact our DC food poisoning attorneys today for a free consultation.

About the Author

Salvatore Zambri, Esq.

Salvatore J. Zambri is a board certified personal injury lawyer who has extensive experience representing victims in cases relating to car and truck accidents, rideshare accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, food poisoning, and premises liability.