Two separate nationwide recalls affect large quantities of cheese sold at major retailers: an early-October recall of shredded mozzarella and multi-cheese blends for possible metal fragments, and a recall of grated Pecorino Romano over possible Listeria contamination. Both recalls cover products with sell-by or expiration dates in 2026 and were sold in multiple states.
Shredded cheese recall: Great Lakes Cheese, a packager in Ohio, voluntarily recalled six types of shredded cheese, from low-moisture part-skim mozzarella to Italian- and pizza-style blends, because some packages may contain metal fragments. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, meaning use could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects. The products were distributed to 31 states and Puerto Rico: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Affected sell-by dates are in February and March 2026. The cheeses were sold under many store and brand names, including 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 (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., Sunnyside Farms and various Italian- and pizza-style blend labels. The FDA posts the full product list on its website.
Pecorino Romano recall: The Ambriola Company, a distributor in New Jersey, recalled grated Pecorino Romano after routine testing found Listeria at its facility. No illnesses have been reported; products processed between Nov. 3 and Nov. 20 were recalled out of an abundance of caution. Recalled items, sold in plastic containers and pound-size bags, include brands Ambriola, Locatelli, Pinna, Boar’s Head and Member’s Mark, with expiration dates from February through May 2026. Distribution appears to include Walmart stores in 14 states and Sam’s Club locations in 27 states. Wegmans also recalled Locatelli grated Pecorino Romano sold between Nov. 14 and 24 in stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
What to do: The FDA advises consumers to throw away recalled cheese or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Anyone who ate the recalled Pecorino and develops symptoms of Listeria infection—commonly beginning within two weeks and including fever, headache, stiff neck and muscle aches—should contact a healthcare provider. Ambriola says it has suspended production and distribution of affected products and is reviewing sanitation and food-safety procedures while cooperating with the FDA.