Nationwide Cheese Recall Upgraded to Highest Risk Level: FDA Classifies Ambriola Products as 'High Hazard'
A massive cheese recall, initially announced in November 2025, has been elevated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to its most severe product safety classification, with nearly 12,500 units of grated pecorino romano cheese products now under scrutiny. The Ambriola Company, a New Jersey-based importer and distributor, initiated the recall following routine testing that revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
As part of this broader recall, the company also took steps to eliminate any additional contaminated cheese products processed at its West Caldwell, N.J., facility "out of an abundance of caution." The decision was made in response to concerns over food safety, and not solely due to the initial test results.
The FDA has subsequently classified the affected cheese products as a Class I recall – the agency's highest numerical designation. This level is reserved for situations where there is a "reasonable probability" that the use or exposure to a tainted product will result in serious adverse health consequences or even death.
Following the upgraded classification, the list of impacted brands and states has been expanded. The products from five prominent brands – Locatelli, Pinna, Boar's Head, Member's Mark (Sam's Club's private label brand), and Ambriola – were distributed to retailers and distributors between November 3rd and November 20th, 2025.
The recalled cheese was shipped to 28 US states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Despite the recall, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the contaminated cheese products. However, customers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume them and instead dispose of or return them for a full refund. Individuals experiencing symptoms of listeria infection – such as fever, muscle pain, and diarrhea – should reach out to their healthcare providers.
The CEO of Ambriola Company, Phil Marfuggi, stated that the company takes food safety seriously and immediately alerted retailers and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves. The organization is also working closely with the FDA to test its products and facilities to better understand the situation.
A massive cheese recall, initially announced in November 2025, has been elevated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to its most severe product safety classification, with nearly 12,500 units of grated pecorino romano cheese products now under scrutiny. The Ambriola Company, a New Jersey-based importer and distributor, initiated the recall following routine testing that revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
As part of this broader recall, the company also took steps to eliminate any additional contaminated cheese products processed at its West Caldwell, N.J., facility "out of an abundance of caution." The decision was made in response to concerns over food safety, and not solely due to the initial test results.
The FDA has subsequently classified the affected cheese products as a Class I recall – the agency's highest numerical designation. This level is reserved for situations where there is a "reasonable probability" that the use or exposure to a tainted product will result in serious adverse health consequences or even death.
Following the upgraded classification, the list of impacted brands and states has been expanded. The products from five prominent brands – Locatelli, Pinna, Boar's Head, Member's Mark (Sam's Club's private label brand), and Ambriola – were distributed to retailers and distributors between November 3rd and November 20th, 2025.
The recalled cheese was shipped to 28 US states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Despite the recall, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the contaminated cheese products. However, customers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume them and instead dispose of or return them for a full refund. Individuals experiencing symptoms of listeria infection – such as fever, muscle pain, and diarrhea – should reach out to their healthcare providers.
The CEO of Ambriola Company, Phil Marfuggi, stated that the company takes food safety seriously and immediately alerted retailers and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves. The organization is also working closely with the FDA to test its products and facilities to better understand the situation.
Anyway, back to this recall... 12,500 units of cheese? That's a lot! I hope nobody gets sick. You know what's even crazier than listeria though? How some people can eat wasabi without flinching 
. I mean, I like spicy food and all, but that stuff is no joke! Maybe the FDA should add "don't eat wasabi" to their food safety guidelines.
! I mean, I love a good grilled cheese as much as the next person, but come on! Listeria monocytogenes is no joke 
. I'm glad they're being super cautious and recalling all those products out of an abundance of caution, you know? It's always better to err on the side of safety when it comes to food.
.
. Anyway, let's all just make sure to check those expiration dates and not eat any suspicious cheese products for now, okay? 
, a cheese recall? i mean who doesn't love a good chunk of melted mozzarella or parmesan on their pizza... or in this case, not so much 
anywayz, 12k units is like a LOT of cheese... idk how they're gonna get rid of all that stuff. but seriously tho, listeria is no joke, gotta be careful what we eat 
& hope these ppl at Ambriola are taking this super serious 
.
The FDA needs to step up its game here. This is a classic case of "too little, too late." When will we see stricter food safety regulations and more transparency from our food manufacturers? 
people get listeria all the time in their daily lives (just watch some foodie vids on youtube) and they're alive as heck! anywayz, i'm just sayin' maybe we shouldn't freak out just yet & let the FDA do its thang 
they upgraded it 2 highest risk level now 
thinkin about all the ppl who bought these products and might still have 'em at home 
yeah, better safe than sorry, right? 
This cheese recall thingy just got a whole lot worse for Ambriola Company... I mean, I'm glad no one's gotten sick yet, but 12k+ units of their pecorino romano is still a scary number 
. Still, it's weird that they're expanding the list of impacted states and brands... you'd think they would've gotten a handle on it by now. Maybe it's just better to err on the side of caution? 
.
. I'm just glad nobody's reported any illnesses yet, but still, better safe than sorry, right? 
. And, can we talk about how they expanded the recall even though there are no reported cases? Just to be extra cautious, you know? 
. Anyway, it's good that Ambriola is being transparent and working with the FDA