Food recalls are increasingly frequent as manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers work to remove contaminated products from shelves before they reach consumers. From dairy and deli meats to ready-to-eat meals and baked goods, recent recalls show how even trusted brands can face sudden safety risks.

The latest recall involves Italian cheese importer Ambriola Company, whose products are distributed under several major labels.

The company is withdrawing specific Pecorino Romano cheese products nationwide following concerns about possible listeria contamination, according to an FDA announcement.

This recall is classified as Class I, the FDA’s most serious warning level, signaling a potential risk of severe illness or death if the cheese is consumed.

An Italian cheese is being recalled for contamination with listeria.

Photo by Stefano Guidi on Getty Images

Which cheeses are being recalled — and where they were sold

The recall began after routine testing by Ambriola Company detected listeria, a bacterium that can cause serious illness, especially in older adults, pregnant people, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.

No illnesses have been reported so far.

“We take food safety very seriously and immediately alerted stores and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves,” Ambriola Company Chief Executive Officer Phil Marfuggi said in the FDA announcement.

“We are working closely with the FDA and continuing to test our products and facilities to fully understand the situation.”

Related: FDA expands urgent baby formula recall to all products made by one manufacturer

Ambriola Company said it has temporarily suspended production and distribution of the affected cheeses while conducting a full review of sanitation and food safety procedures.

Boar’s Head is one of the companies that distributed the affected cheese, and this recall adds to a string of Boar’s Head-related concerns. In 2024, nine people died and at least 57 were hospitalized after eating contaminated Boar’s Head deli meats, according to a CDC alert.

Boar’s Head said in a statement to USA Today that it is “committed to delivering safe, high-quality foods that consumers can enjoy with confidence.”

What consumers should do if they have the recalled Romano cheese

• Do not eat recalled products, even if they look or smell normal.
• Discard them or return them to the retailer for a refund.
• Seek medical care if you consumed the products and experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, digestive issues, or neurological concerns.

Why food recalls seem more common

The Ambriola Company recall highlights ongoing challenges in food production and supply chains. Even well-known brands can see major disruptions when a supplier’s process fails.

“There has been a 200% surge in recalls in Q3 2025, including increased recalls in every sector (auto, consumer products, medical devices, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage),” SVP of Client Services at Sedgwick Chris Harvey told TheStreet. Sedgwick, which provides companies with best practices for product recall and remediation solutions, just published its U.S. Product Safety and Recall Index.

Related: Costco expands recall on a potentially dangerous Kirkland product

While it may seem like food recalls are increasing, experts say enhanced monitoring, faster reporting systems, and better testing technology are the real drivers.

As regulatory scrutiny continues to be stricter amid heightened oversight and increased product movement during the holiday season, there is the potential for 2025 to see higher recall totals than last year, as well, Harvey said.

Timeline: deadly food recalls over the last 24 months

• 2024: Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats (Boar’s Head and others) Deaths: 9Hospitalizations: 57Products: Multiple deli meats, widespread retail distribution
• 2024: Soft-serve ice cream mix contaminated with listeriaDeaths: 3Illnesses: Multiple, including hospitalizations.Products: Soft-serve ice cream mix used in restaurants and food service
• 2024: Frozen chicken entrées contaminated with salmonellaDeaths: 2Illnesses: 46Products: Ready-to-eat frozen breaded stuffed chicken entrées
• 2025: Listeria in frozen supplemental shakes Deaths: 1Illnesses: 42Hospitalizations: 41Products: Lyons ReadyCare & Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes
• 2025 Listeria in prepared pasta mealsDeaths: At least 6 (including pregnancy-associated loss)Illnesses: Dozens Source: FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts