A dangerous bacterium lurking in shredded cheese sitting on store shelves right now could hospitalize you, and the FDA just sounded the alarm across 31 states.
Quick Take
- The Ambriola Company recalled grated cheese products after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes contamination
- Affected products distributed nationwide between November 3-20, 2025, under multiple brand names including Boar’s Head and Pinna
- No illnesses reported yet, but vulnerable populations face serious health risks from this ready-to-eat product
- Company suspended all production and established a customer service line for refunds and product disposal guidance
When Routine Testing Catches What Could Have Been Catastrophic
The Ambriola Company’s West Caldwell, New Jersey facility discovered Listeria monocytogenes contamination through standard quality assurance procedures on November 25, 2025. This wasn’t a crisis born from illness reports or customer complaints. Routine testing caught the pathogen before widespread harm could occur. CEO Phil Marfuggi stated the company “immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves” and suspended all production pending investigation completion. The proactive detection prevented what could have escalated into a major public health emergency affecting millions of consumers nationwide.
Which Products Are Sitting in Your Pantry Right Now
The recall affects multiple branded products manufactured at the same facility: Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, and Boar’s Head grated cheese products. Specifically, Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano and Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated cheese distributed between November 3-20, 2025, carry the contamination risk. These products are ready-to-eat items requiring no cooking, which means the pathogen remains viable and dangerous. Consumers should check lot codes and expiration dates on packages purchased during this window. The company established a dedicated customer service line at 1-800-962-8224 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM ET) for specific product verification and refund requests.
Why This Bacterium Terrifies Public Health Officials
Listeria monocytogenes poses particular danger to pregnant women, young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons. The bacterium can cause serious infections including meningitis and bloodstream infections. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, Listeria survives refrigeration temperatures, making it especially hazardous in ready-to-eat products stored at home. The fact that no illnesses have been reported yet doesn’t eliminate the risk. Contaminated products already distributed could sicken consumers days or weeks after consumption, making ongoing surveillance critical for public health authorities.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Prevention
The FDA is investigating the facility to determine how contamination occurred and what systemic failures allowed the pathogen to enter the production process. Sanitation procedures, equipment maintenance, and process controls are under scrutiny. The company’s suspension of production remains in effect until investigation results determine facility safety. Affected products must be removed from retail shelves nationwide. Consumers who purchased affected items should dispose of them or return them for full refunds. The investigation results will determine whether additional regulatory action becomes necessary and what enhanced protocols the facility must implement before resuming production.
The Broader Pattern: Why This Keeps Happening
This recall reflects ongoing vulnerabilities in America’s dairy processing industry. Ready-to-eat cheese products require exceptional sanitation standards because consumers expect them to be safe without additional preparation. The detection through routine testing demonstrates that when facilities implement proper quality assurance protocols, contamination can be caught before widespread illness occurs. However, the incident raises questions about whether all facilities maintain equivalent testing rigor. Industry-wide review of sanitation protocols and testing procedures may follow, potentially strengthening standards across the sector. The company’s rapid response and transparent communication represent best practices for crisis management in food safety incidents.
What You Should Do Today
Check your refrigerator for any grated cheese products purchased between November 3-20, 2025. Verify product names and lot codes against the recall list. Do not consume affected products. Either dispose of them safely or contact the company’s customer service line for refund instructions. If you or family members consumed affected products and develop fever, muscle aches, or other flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately and mention potential Listeria exposure. Share this information with elderly relatives, pregnant friends, or anyone with compromised immune systems who may have purchased these products. The company’s proactive recall means this threat can be neutralized through consumer action rather than medical treatment.
Sources:
FDA: Ambriola Company Issues Recall of Cheese Products Because of Listeria Health Risk
