Trusting a grocery store is often second nature. Consumers walk in, grab weekly staples, and assume products on the shelf have passed rigorous safety checks. However, that trust was tested this month as the FDA upgraded a nationwide recall for several brands of grated Pecorino Romano cheese to a Class I risk level. This classification is the agency’s most urgent, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming these products could cause serious health consequences.
The recall, initiated by The Ambriola Company, involves products sold under several labels, including Boar’s Head, Locatelli, and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark. While the initial voluntary recall began late last year, the upgraded status confirms the severity of the potential contamination.
Timing and Public Awareness
This recall involves products sold at major retailers including Sam’s Club and other large grocery chains. While industry critics often point to “Friday Night Dumps”—a pattern where companies release unfavorable news late on a Friday to minimize media coverage—this January 2026 update serves as a critical reminder to check your inventory immediately. Regardless of when an announcement is made, delays in discovery can put vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and pregnant individuals, at increased risk.
Understanding the Pathogen
The recall was triggered after testing detected Listeria monocytogenes. Unlike other bacteria that cause immediate illness, Listeria is far more insidious. It can incubate in the body for up to 70 days before symptoms like fever or muscle aches appear. This long window can make the source of the illness difficult to trace back to a specific meal.
Furthermore, Listeria is a hardy bacterium that survives refrigeration and freezing. A deep freezer preserves the bacteria rather than killing it, making it essential to identify and dispose of affected items rather than simply storing them.
Recalled Product Details
According to the recall notices, consumers who have purchased grated Pecorino Romano recently should check their refrigerators for these specific items:
| Brand | Product | Size | Expiration Dates |
| Boar’s Head | Grated Pecorino Romano | 6 oz Cup | 03/04/26, 03/12/26 |
| Member’s Mark | Pecorino Romano | 1.5 lb Bag | 03/25/26 to 04/05/26 |
| Locatelli | Grated Pecorino Romano | 4 oz & 8 oz Cup | May 2026 |
| Ambriola | Grated Pecorino Romano | Various | 02/28/26 to 03/11/26 |
Navigating Returns and Refunds
If you have these items in your home, the FDA recommends that you do not consume them. In the case of a Class I recall, most major retailers will provide a full refund even without a receipt. Simply return the product to the customer service desk. If the packaging has been opened, seal it in a secondary bag before disposal to prevent cross-contamination, and thoroughly sanitize any surfaces or containers the cheese may have touched.
Vulnerabilities in the Food Supply
This incident highlights a broader issue in the food system known as commingling. Large processing plants often mix ingredients from multiple sources into a single production run. Consequently, if one source has contaminated water or soil, it can taint a large batch distributed across many states. This centralization allows for manufacturing efficiency but can lead to widespread recalls when a pathogen enters the facility.
What To Read Next…
- Recall Alert: 13,000 Pounds of Chicken Recalled Due to Listeria Risk
- Recall Alert: Popular Ground Beef Brand Pulled for E. Coli Risk
- 10 Foods Just Got Recalled—Here’s What You Need to Throw Out Immediately
The post Major Cheese Recall: FDA Upgrades Risk Level for Boar’s Head and Member’s Mark appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
