NPR Explains Shredded Cheese and Pecorino Romano Recalls

Two significant cheese recalls have recently been announced, affecting shredded mozzarella and Pecorino Romano. These recalls are due to potential contaminations posing health risks to consumers.

Shredded Cheese Recall

Great Lakes Cheese, an Ohio-based company known for packaging natural cheeses, initiated a recall in early October. They are recalling various types of shredded cheese, including mozzarella and pizza blends, over concerns that fragments of metal might be present in the products. The FDA classified this risk as Class II, indicating potential for temporary health impacts.

Affected Products

The recalled cheeses, which have sell-by dates in February and March 2026, include:

• Low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella from multiple brands, such as:
• Always Save
• Borden
• Gold Rush Creamery
• Happy Farms by Aldi
• Lucerne Dairy Farms
• Publix
• Italian style shredded cheese blends from:
• Great Value
• Simply Go
• Shredded pizza-style cheese blends from brands including:
• Food Club
• Great Value

This cheese was distributed across 31 states, impacting major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Publix, as well as stores in Puerto Rico.

Pecorino Romano Recall

The Ambriola Company, a cheese distributor from New Jersey, has also announced a recall affecting its grated Pecorino Romano products due to the detection of listeria during routine testing. While no illnesses have been reported, the company opted to recall potentially affected products as a precaution.

Recall Specifics

The recalled Pecorino Romano cheeses were sold in plastic containers and bags under several brand names, including:

• Ambriola
• Locatelli
• Boar’s Head

These products have expiration dates ranging from February to May 2026. The affected cheeses were distributed between November 3 and November 20 to retailers, including Walmart in 14 states and Sam’s Club in 27 states. Additionally, Wegman’s has recalled Locatelli-brand Pecorino Romano sold in stores across several states, including New York and Virginia.

Consumer Guidance

The FDA advises consumers to either discard or return the recalled cheese for a refund. Those experiencing symptoms resembling listeria infection, such as fever and muscle aches, are urged to consult a doctor.

Both companies are currently working with the FDA and have suspended production of the affected products while reviewing their safety protocols.