by Boar’s Head is recalling some of its popular cheese products due to a major health risk.
Ambriola Company, Boar’s Head’s supplier of Pecorino Romano cheese, has issued a recall of three of its Pecorino Romano cheese products. These include Boar’s Head shredded Pecorino Romano cheese and Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano cheese, according to a news release from SpartanNash, a Michigan-based grocer.
The reason for the recall is the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogenic bacterium.
Shredded Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano cheese was sold in 6-ounce containers with UPC number 0-42421-05858 and best-by date between November 21, 2025 and March 12, 2026. The affected Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano cheese was sold in 7-ounce containers with a UPC number of 0-42421-15160 and a best-before date of between November 25, 2025. 2025 and May 11, 2026.
According to Big Y, a supermarket chain that sells Boar’s Head products, the Ambriola Company has also issued a recall for the Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Wedge. However, this recall is due to “the potential presence of Listeria Monocytogenes in other affected products, keeping customer safety a top priority.”
The slice of cheese weighed seven ounces and had the UPC number 42421-15160. Cheese wedges with any best-before date are affected by the recall.
All three recalled cheeses were sold at various retailers nationwide and customers are urged to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
Although no illnesses have been reported due to the cheese products, the recall of Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese and Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Cheese has been classified as Class I.
This means it is “a situation in which use or contact with a violating product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, or in which the likelihood of serious adverse health effects is low,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Independent has reached out to Boar’s Head for comment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria is a “bacteria that can contaminate many foods,” with infections caused by eating foods containing the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Although symptoms can vary, a listeria infection can “cause invasive disease and intestinal disease.”
Short-term symptoms in healthy people with a Listeria infection may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea and abdominal pain. Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, killing approximately 260 people per year.
Boar’s Head is one of many companies that have recalled products due to a listeria risk. Earlier this month, Face Rock Creamery LLC issued a recall for its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar after the FDA discovered Listeria monocytogenes in the area where the cheese was packaged.
