The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has upgraded the nationwide recall of Ambriola Company’s cheese products to Class I, indicating a serious health risk. Over 11,500 cases, bags, or cups of various Romano cheese brands from a single facility have tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that prompted the recall, according to MassLive.
The recall, first announced in November 2025, affects products sold in 20 states, including Arizona, California, Texas, and Massachusetts. Affected brands include Locatelli, Boar’s Head, and Ambriola Piccante, with specific lot numbers detailed in a report by Boston 25 News. Products were sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Wegmans. The FDA advises consumers who purchased these items not to eat them and to either dispose of them or return them to the store for a refund.
Listeria exposure can cause symptoms ranging from high fever and severe headaches to more serious outcomes such as miscarriages or stillbirths, and it poses particular risks for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The recalled cheese products were distributed between November 3 and 20, 2025. As of yesterday, no illnesses or health issues linked to this recall have been reported.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled cheese products are advised to take action. The Ambriola Company has provided a contact number, 800-962-8224, for questions and guidance on returns, according to MassLive. With the recall classified as Class I by the FDA, it is important for the public to check purchases for the listed lot numbers to help protect health and safety.
