More Contaminated Boar’s Head Products Recalled After Prior Listeria Outbreak Left 10 Dead

A new nationwide recall of Boar’s Head–branded cheese products has been issued after federal testing detected potential listeria contamination. The announcement comes just one year after a major Boar’s Head outbreak sickened 61 people and resulted in 10 fatalities across 19 states.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that Ambriola Company, a third-party manufacturer that produces certain cheeses for Boar’s Head, has issued a Class I recall. This is the highest and most serious recall designation reserved for situations where consumption of a product could cause severe illness or death.

Products Included in the Recall

The FDA reports that the following cheese products have been recalled after sample testing revealed the presence of listeria monocytogenes:

• Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese (6 oz containers), UPC 042421-05858, item code 858, sell-by dates November 21, 2025 through March 12, 2026
• Boar’s Head FS Grated Romano Cheese, UPC 042421-15119, same sell-by dates
• Specific lots of pre-cut Pecorino Romano Cheese produced by Ambriola Company, UPC 042421-15160, sell-by dates November 25, 2025 through May 11, 2026

Although no illnesses have been reported to date involving these cheese products, federal officials warn that many of the recalled items may still be in household refrigerators.

Out of caution, Boar’s Head has suspended the purchase of all Ambriola-made products and is removing those items from distribution nationwide.

Why These Recalls Matter: Listeria Is Serious

Listeria monocytogenes poses a significant health threat, especially to:

• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• Infants and children
• Immunocompromised individuals

Listeria is unique because it can thrive in cold temperatures found in deli cases, refrigerator shelves, and food-processing environments. Once a facility becomes contaminated, the bacteria can spread across surfaces and equipment, making outbreaks difficult to control.

Each year, an estimated 1,250 Americans become infected. About 1,000 require hospitalization, and approximately 170 people die from listeria infections annually.

Symptoms of infection can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and in severe cases, bloodstream infections or sepsis.

Last Year’s Outbreak: 10 People Lost Their Lives

This recall comes on the heels of a devastating outbreak in 2024–2025 linked to contaminated Boar’s Head deli meats. In that case, 61 people were sickened and 10 died, including elderly consumers and individuals with compromised immune systems.

FDA investigators traced the outbreak to a Boar’s Head processing plant in Jarratt, Virginia, where they discovered:

• Meat residue and buildup on equipment
• Condensation dripping onto food surfaces
• Poor sanitation and hygiene practices among workers

The plant was shut down indefinitely and has not yet resumed production.

Potential Liability When Contaminated Food Causes Injury or Death

Families impacted by foodborne illness may have legal claims under product liability laws. Companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell contaminated food can be held responsible when unsafe products reach the public.

Liability may arise from:

• Manufacturing defects
• Contamination due to unsanitary facilities
• Failure to follow federal food-processing standards
• Failure to detect hazards during quality control
• Failure to warn consumers about risks after contamination is discovered

Victims in listeria cases may pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Hospitalization and long-term care
• Wrongful death damages
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses

These cases often require microbiological testing, facility audits, epidemiological tracing, and federal inspection records to establish fault.

What Consumers Should Do Now

The FDA recommends that consumers:

• Immediately check refrigerators for recalled cheese products
• Discard any products or return them to the store for a refund
• Thoroughly clean any surfaces the cheese may have touched
• Monitor for symptoms if the product was recently consumed
• Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop, especially in high-risk individuals

Listeria can survive in refrigerators and contaminate other foods, making proper cleaning essential.

Protecting Consumers After Food Contamination Events

Foodborne illness outbreaks leave a heavy impact on families, especially when they involve serious injury or death. Our firm helps victims of contaminated food pursue justice and hold negligent manufacturers accountable for preventable harm.

We offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Access to experts in food safety, epidemiology, and product contamination
• Guidance through wrongful death and serious injury claims

If you or someone in your family became ill after consuming a recalled Boar’s Head product or another contaminated food item, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer to understand your legal options.