Nationwide Cheese Recalls Issued Over Contamination Concerns
Two separate nationwide food recalls involving various cheese products have been announced, citing concerns about metal fragments and Listeria contamination. These recalls affect products with sell-by dates extending into 2026 and are distributed across numerous major retailers in multiple states.
Shredded Cheese Recall: Metal Fragments
Great Lakes Cheese, an Ohio-based company, initiated a recall of several shredded cheese products in early October due to the potential presence of metal fragments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II risk, indicating that consumption could lead to "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences."
- Affected Products: Low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella, Italian style shredded cheese blend, shredded pizza-style cheese blend, mozzarella and provolone shredded cheese blend, and mozzarella and parmesan blend.
- Brands Include: Always Save, Borden, Brookshire's, Cache Valley Creamery, Chestnut Hill, Coburn Farms, Econo, Food Club, Food Lion, Gold Rush Creamery, Good & Gather, Great Lakes Cheese, Happy Farms by Aldi, H-E-B, Hill Country Fare, Know & Love, Laura Lynn, Lucerne Dairy Farms, Nu Farm, Publix, Schnuck's, Simply Go, Sprouts Farmers Market, Stater Bros. Markets, Sunnyside Farms, Great Value, Freedom's Choice.
- Distribution: Products were distributed to 31 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin) and Puerto Rico.
- Retailers: Target, Walmart, Publix, and Aldi are among the retailers.
- Sell-by Dates: Various dates in February and March 2026.
The FDA's website provides a comprehensive list of all affected products.
Pecorino Romano Recall: Listeria Contamination
The Ambriola Company, a New Jersey-based cheese distributor, announced a recall of certain grated Pecorino Romano products last week following routine testing that confirmed the presence of Listeria. While no illnesses have been reported, the company initiated the recall out of caution for products processed at the same facility.
- Affected Products: Grated Pecorino Romano sold in plastic containers and pound-sized plastic bags.
- Brands Include: Ambriola, Locatelli, Pinna, Boar's Head, and Member's Mark.
- Distribution Period: Products were distributed to retail stores and other distributors between November 3 and November 20.
- Retailers: Walmart locations in 14 states and Sam's Club locations in 27 states have sold some of these products. Wegman's also issued a recall for Locatelli-brand Pecorino Romano sold in stores across Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., between November 14 and November 24.
- Expiration Dates: Ranging from February to May 2026.
Consumer Guidance
The FDA advises consumers to dispose of or return recalled cheese products for a refund. Individuals who have consumed the recalled Pecorino Romano and develop symptoms consistent with a Listeria infection
—such as fever, headache, stiff neck, and muscle aches, typically within two weeks of exposure—should contact their doctor.
Ambriola has suspended production and distribution of the affected products while conducting a review of sanitation and food safety procedures.