The FDA Just Called Your Pecorino Romano "Potentially Deadly" — Here's What Happened
If you've got a bag of grated pecorino romano in your fridge right now, you might want to read the label before you dust your next bowl of cacio e pepe. The FDA has escalated a nationwide cheese recall to Class I — its most serious danger level — after lab tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe illness and, in vulnerable populations, death.
"Potentially deadly" is not a phrase you usually see next to cheese. And yet, here we are.
What's Actually Been Recalled?
The recall covers grated Pecorino Romano products from multiple brands sold under the Locatelli, Pinna, and Member's Mark names — the Member's Mark being Sam's Club's house brand, so this hits a lot of pantry shelves. The affected products were sold in 5-pound and 10-pound bulk bags as well as consumer-size containers, depending on the brand. The FDA's recall notice (H-0368-2026 for Locatelli, H-0369-2026 for Pinna) covers lot number 1000572486 and related batches.
More than 11,500 units were recalled in total. That's a lot of cheese that was one wrong crumble away from a hospital visit.
Class I Means They're Not Messing Around
The FDA's recall classification system has three tiers. Class III is "eh, probably fine." Class II is "might cause temporary problems." Class I is "this could kill you." It's reserved for situations where there's a reasonable probability that exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Getting a Class I slapped on your product means the FDA has concluded that the risk is real and present. Listeriosis — the infection caused by listeria — is especially dangerous for pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and — in severe cases — meningitis or septicemia.
In other words: yes, throw out that bag of pre-grated cheese. It's not worth the gamble.
The Deeper Problem with Pre-Grated Cheese
This isn't an isolated event. Pre-grated cheeses have a well-earned reputation as a listeria vector because the grating process introduces more surface area and more handling points than a solid block. The anti-caking agents (cellulose powder, potato starch, etc.) that keep shreds from clumping also create little microenvironments where bacteria can set up shop if sanitation slips.
The Ambriola Company, which manufactured the affected products, initiated the recall voluntarily after routine testing flagged the contamination. That's the system working the way it's supposed to — but it's also a reminder that "pre-grated convenience" comes with a hidden cost. Grate your own cheese. You'll get better melt, better flavor, and a dramatically lower risk of a listeria-themed trip to the ER.
The Bottom Line
Check your fridge. If you've got Locatelli, Pinna, or Member's Mark grated pecorino romano, check the lot number. If it matches the recall, toss it or return it for a refund. And maybe take this as a sign to buy the block and grate it yourself. Your pasta will taste better, and your immune system will thank you.
Cheese is one of life's great pleasures. It should not also be a biohazard.