Consumers in San Antonio have been alerted to a serious health risk involving grated Pecorino Romano cheeses sold at H-E-B and Sam’s Club. Testing has confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in several lots of this cheese, prompting an expanded recall that was initially issued in November 2025. Health officials are urging shoppers to check product labels and lot numbers, and to either return or discard any affected packages.
Recall Classified as Class I by FDA
The recall, initiated by the Ambriola Company, has been reclassified as a Class I recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This designation represents the highest risk level and indicates that there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product could lead to serious health issues or even death. According to a report from Newsweek, the situation escalated in early January following additional lab test results.
Retailers and distributors have been instructed to remove the affected lots from their shelves while investigators work to locate any remaining inventory. Shipments of the contaminated cheese reached approximately 20 states, including Texas, where both H-E-B and Sam’s Club are prominent retailers.
Details of the Recalled Products
The affected grated Pecorino Romano cheeses were sold under multiple brands, including Locatelli, Boar’s Head, Member’s Mark, Pinna, and Ambriola. Specific lots that are part of the recall include Sam’s Pecorino Romano 1.5-pound bags with lot numbers 1000570107, 1000570766, and 1000572513, as well as Locatelli bulk bags with lot numbers 1000570725 and 1000572476. Although Ambriola has reported no confirmed illnesses related to the recall, consumers are advised to take the situation seriously.
The recalled cheeses were sold between November 3 and November 20, 2025, meaning some packages with sell-by dates extending into spring 2026 may still be present in homes.
Health Risks and Consumer Guidance
Listeria infections can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, including pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can manifest as fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, and gastrointestinal distress, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In pregnant individuals, Listeria infections can lead to severe outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Health officials recommend that anyone who experiences symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated products should seek medical attention immediately.
Consumers are encouraged to inspect their refrigerators for any grated Pecorino Romano cheeses. Checking the brand name, package size, and lot number is crucial. It is important to avoid tasting the cheese to determine its safety. If affected products are found, individuals should either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For further questions, consumers can refer to the recall notice from Ambriola, which is available on the FDA website, detailing the complete list of affected stock-keeping units (SKUs).
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous food safety practices and vigilant consumer awareness.
