Abriola Company, a supplier of Pecorino Romano cheese for well-known brands such as Boar’s Head and Locatelli, has announced a recall of certain cheese products due to potential listeria contamination. The recall was made public on November 24 and has been classified as a Class 1 recall by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This classification indicates a serious health risk where exposure to the affected products may lead to severe health consequences or even death.
Among the products included in the recall are Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese and Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese, as well as assorted wedges of Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Cheese. Additionally, Boar’s Head EverRoast Chicken Caesar Salads and Wraps are affected as they contain the recalled cheese. The FDA has outlined that although no illnesses have been reported in relation to these products, the recall is a precautionary measure prompted by the detection of potential listeria monocytogenes.
Specifically, the recall affects 6-ounce packages of Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese with UPC 0-42421-05858, which bear “best by” dates ranging from November 21, 2025, to March 12, 2026. Also recalled are 7-ounce wedges of Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Cheese (UPC 0-42421-15160) with “best by” dates between November 25, 2025, and May 11, 2026. Locatelli’s Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese (UPC 41793-82493) with all “sell by” dates is part of the recall as well.
Boar’s Head has taken the precaution of withdrawing all items produced by Ambriola Company even though some items, such as wedges, were not directly implicated in the contamination. These products were distributed nationwide, finding their way to various grocery chains, including Big Y and Tops.
The USDA has provided detailed information on listeriosis, the condition caused by listeria infection, noting symptoms such as headaches, fever, muscle aches, confusion, and diarrhea. The agency also emphasizes that older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to listeriosis, which can pose a severe threat.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. This proactive response aims to ensure the safety and well-being of customers, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to consumer health amid potential risks. While the situation is concerning, the absence of reported illnesses offers a hopeful outlook that the precautionary measures can prevent future occurrences.