August M
Boar’s Head has issued a nationwide recall for two pecorino romano cheeses after its supplier flagged a possible Listeria contamination. No illnesses have been reported, but customers are urged to discard affected products or request a refund.
According to Eating Well and distributor SpartanNash, the recall affects Boar’s Head pecorino romano cheese sold in 6-ounce grated containers and 7-ounce whole wedges. The impacted products carry sell-by dates ranging from November 2025 through May 2026.
Boar’s Head initiated the recall after its supplier, Ambriola Company, reported potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The cheeses were sold through several grocery chains, including Big Y and TOPS.
What is listeria monocytogenes?
According to FDA Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium commonly found in soil, water, decaying plant matter and even animals. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, it can survive and grow in refrigerated conditions, making it a particular concern for ready-to-eat foods.
Contamination can occur at any point in the food chain — during harvesting, processing, packaging, transport or storage — especially in unsanitary production environments. Raw materials, water, soil and even incoming air can introduce the bacteria. Pets may also spread it if they consume contaminated food.
Eating food tainted with L. monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection that poses heightened risks for older adults, pregnant people, young children and those with weakened immune systems.
What consumers should do
Customers who purchased the recalled pecorino romano should dispose of the cheese immediately or contact the store where it was bought for a refund. Boar’s Head and Ambriola have made support lines available for further questions.
Boar’s Head customer service: 800-352-6277
Ambriola Company: 973-228-3600
(Available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)
Supplier notification
Ambriola’s alert prompted the recall, which reflects standard precautionary measures used in the food industry whenever potential contamination is detected.
Regulators and retailers continue monitoring for any illness reports, though none have surfaced to date.
The company encourages consumers to check refrigerators carefully given the long shelf-life of the products involved notes EatingWell.
Sources: EatingWell-FDA
