One of the largest importers and distributors of specialty cheese from Italy has issued recalls for seven products that tested positive for listeria, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The recalls were initiated by The Ambriola Company at its headquarters in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Although the recalls began in late November, the FDA assigned official classifications to the contaminated products on Tuesday.
The recalls received a Class I classification, which means exposure to the products could cause serious adverse health effects, including death.
The recall involves several varieties of shredded cheese that were distributed for sale in November. Many of the products have expiration dates extending into 2026, meaning they may still be stored in consumers’ refrigerators.
The affected products include:
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1.5 lb. plastic bags of grated Sam’s Pecorino Romano (12 units per case)
Lot numbers: 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513
1,015 bags recalled -
10-pound plastic bags of Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano 2/10
Lot number: 1000572486
45 bags recalled -
5-pound plastic bags of Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano
Lot numbers: 1000570093, 1000570738
405 bags recalled -
6 oz. plastic cup and lid of Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano
Lot number: 1000572486
2,106 units recalled -
5- and 10-pound plastic bags of Ambriola Piccante grated Pecorino Romano
Lot numbers: 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, 1000572487
179 bags recalled -
48/8 oz. shipper, plastic cup and lid of Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano
Lot numbers: 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514
184 units recalled -
5- and 10-pound plastic bags of Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano
Lot numbers: 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477
964 bags recalled -
4 oz. and 8 oz. plastic containers of Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano
Lot numbers: 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485
6,632 units recalled
The recalled products were distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food. Infection may cause fever, flu-like symptoms, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. In some cases, it can also lead to intestinal illness, including diarrhea and vomiting.
While anyone can become infected by consuming food contaminated with listeria, the infection poses the greatest risk to pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA said no illnesses have been reported in connection with this cheese recall.