FDA Widens Cheese Recall Across 20 States, Warns Eating It Could Be Fatal

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall of Pecorino Romano cheese sold across the United States, warning that the products may be contaminated with listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria. The recall now spans 20 states and includes multiple major brands commonly sold in grocery stores and used by restaurants.

The recall was first issued on Nov. 24 by Ambriola Company, a supplier for brands including Boar’s Head and Locatelli. On Jan. 6, the FDA escalated the action to a Class I recall, its most serious category.

The FDA uses recall classifications—Class I, II, or III—to indicate the “degree of health hazard” posed by a product. A Class I recall is defined as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Since the initial announcement, additional products and states have been tied to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The expanded recall now includes Pecorino Romano cheese sold under five brands—Locatelli, Pinna, Boar’s Head, Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark, and Ambriola—sold in both retail packaging and large bulk sizes for food service.

The recalled products are:

Locatelli

4-oz. and 8-oz. cups of Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano with lot numbers: 1000572472, 1000570734, 1000570735, 1000570736, 1000572482, 1000572483, 1000572485, 1000570750, 1000572499, 1000572514
5-lb. and 10-lb. bags with lot numbers: 1000570725, 1000572476, 1000570724, 1000572475, 1000570726, 1000570727, 1000572477

Pinna

10-lb. bags of Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano, lot number 1000572486

Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club)

1.5-lb. bags with lot numbers 1000570107, 1000570766, 1000572513

Boar’s Head

6-oz. cups, lot number 1000572486
5-lb. bags, lot numbers 1000570093 and 1000570738

Ambriola

5-lb. and 10-lb. bags of Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano with lot numbers 1000572981, 1000570737, 1000570092, 1000572487

The recalled cheese was distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

According to the USDA, listeriosis can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, confusion, and diarrhea. Adults over 65, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk, and severe infections can be fatal.

Ambriola Company did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. The FDA urges consumers to not eat the recalled products and to discard them or return them immediately.

Anyone who develops symptoms after consumption should seek medical attention right away.