Listeria Cheese Recall: What Illinois Shoppers Need to Know

For Illinois residents who regularly stock the fridge with shredded or grated cheese, it’s time for a quick pantry check. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a nationwide cheese recall to its most serious risk level, Class I, due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illness.

The recall involves cheeses produced by The Ambriola Company, sold under several well-known brand names. Illinois is among roughly 20 states where these products were distributed, meaning shoppers across northern Illinois and the Rockford region could have affected items at home. In addition to Illinois, other states impacted include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

I know that when you think of a cheese-loving population, you think of Wisconsin, but Illinois more than holds its own when it comes to cheese consumption, so it's something you should definitely check for.

Listeria Is Nasty, And Not Something To Ignore When You See Warnings And Recalls

What makes Listeria especially dangerous is its ability to grow even in refrigerated conditions. The illness can be particularly severe for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and confusion, and in extreme cases, the infection can lead to hospitalization or worse.

Food safety officials say many of the recalled products carry best-by dates extending well into early 2026, meaning they could still be sitting in refrigerators or freezers weeks or months after purchase. Consumers are urged not to taste or use the products to determine safety.

Here’s what Illinois consumers should do right now:

• Check your refrigerator and freezer carefully.

• Do not eat any recalled products.

• Throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.

• Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear after consuming the product.

The FDA and CDC continue to stress that fast action matters with Listeria exposures. Taking a few minutes to double-check your cheese could prevent a serious health issue for you or your family.

Here Are The Products Affected By The Recall Warning

Check for these specific items only, not all products from these brands are affected.

Packaged Retail Products

• Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated (4 oz. cups)

• Locatelli Pecorino Romano Grated (8 oz. cups)

• Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano (6 oz. cups)

• Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano (1.5 lb. bags, Sam’s Club)

Grated Cheese Sold by the Pound

• Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano

• Ambriola Grated Pecorino Romano

• Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano

• Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano (grated, by the pound)

Most affected products have best-by dates extending into March, April, or May of 2026. If you find one of these products at home, do not eat it, just discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase.