The FDA has issued an urgent recall for contaminated cheese products distributed nationwide after dangerous Listeria bacteria was discovered in popular brands including Boar’s Head, threatening American families’ health and exposing alarming gaps in our food safety system.
Story Highlights
- Multiple cheese brands recalled nationwide due to deadly Listeria contamination discovered through routine testing
- Boar’s Head and other trusted brands affected, distributed to stores across America between November 3-20, 2025
- Ambriola Company suspended all production at New Jersey facility pending full investigation
- No illnesses reported yet, but Listeria poses severe risks to pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals
Contaminated Products Reach American Families Nationwide
The Ambriola Company announced a recall of grated cheese products on November 25, 2025, after routine testing confirmed Listeria monocytogenes contamination at their West Caldwell, New Jersey facility. The affected products include Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano and Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated cheese, distributed to retail stores nationwide during a critical three-week period. This contamination represents a serious threat to public health, particularly concerning given these are ready-to-eat products that bypass the cooking process that would eliminate the deadly pathogen.
Multiple Brands Compromised by Facility-Wide Safety Failure
The contamination affects products manufactured under several brand names including Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, and Boar’s Head, indicating a systemic problem at the processing facility rather than an isolated incident. CEO Phil Marfuggi stated the company “immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves” and is “working closely with the FDA.” However, the fact that multiple product lines were compromised raises serious questions about the facility’s sanitation protocols and quality control measures that should have prevented this widespread contamination.
FDA Response Highlights Ongoing Food Safety Concerns
The FDA’s involvement underscores the severity of Listeria contamination, which can cause life-threatening infections particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations including pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems. While no illnesses have been reported, the pathogen’s ability to survive refrigeration and multiply at low temperatures makes contaminated cheese products especially hazardous. The company has suspended production and distribution pending a thorough review of sanitation procedures, but consumers who purchased affected products between the distribution dates should immediately dispose of them or return them for full refunds.
FDA warns Americans in 31 states about dangerous elements that may be in their shredded cheese https://t.co/xYcCv3wZDp pic.twitter.com/UZ0j4v0Cp0
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) December 3, 2025
Consumer Protection and Industry Accountability
This recall demonstrates both the importance of routine testing protocols and the vulnerability of our food supply chain to contamination events. The Ambriola Company has established a customer service line at 1-800-962-8224 for consumer inquiries, operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. While the proactive detection prevented a potential outbreak, the incident reinforces concerns about food safety oversight and the need for stringent manufacturing standards. American families deserve assurance that trusted brands maintain the highest safety standards to protect public health.
Sources:
Ambriola Company Issues Recall Cheese Products Because Listeria Health Risk – FDA
