Big Y Pecorino Romano Recalled in Connecticut Over Listeria

This article takes a look at the recent recall of Pecorino Romano cheese at Big Y supermarkets in Connecticut. There’s concern about possible Listeria contamination, and we’ll dig into what’s been recalled, why it matters for families from Hartford to New Haven, what symptoms to watch for, and how shoppers can stay safe while officials keep tabs on the situation.

Pecorino Romano Cheese Recall at Big Y in Connecticut

Big Y recalled certain batches of Pecorino Romano cheese in its Connecticut stores after routine safety testing flagged possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The cheese was distributed in Big Y stores serving communities like Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, Stamford, and New Britain.

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The company says it’s already pulled the affected products from shelves as a precaution. Health officials and retailers are still working to strengthen food safety in Connecticut and throughout New England.

Which Pecorino Romano Cheese Is Affected?

The recall covers specific batches of Pecorino Romano cheese identified during routine checks. Lot numbers can vary, so Big Y urges customers to treat any Pecorino Romano they bought there with caution until they know for sure it’s not part of the recall.

Shoppers in towns like Manchester, West Hartford, and Middletown who recently picked up Pecorino Romano from Big Y should check their fridges right away. If you’re not sure about the cheese’s safety, health officials say it’s better to play it safe and not eat it.

Health Risks of Listeria Contamination

Listeria monocytogenes isn’t something to take lightly; it’s a pretty serious foodborne pathogen. Healthy adults might only get mild symptoms, but for some, the infection can be dangerous, and there have been hospitalizations during past outbreaks in places like New London and Meriden.

This bacteria can survive and even grow in the fridge, which is why cheeses get tested so often. These checks are how the contamination got caught before anyone reported a big spike in illness.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, can be especially risky for certain groups. Public health officials want these folks to be extra careful:

Pregnant women (and their unborn babies)

Newborns and infants

Older adults, especially those over 65

People with weakened immune systems (like those having cancer treatment or living with chronic illnesses)

For these groups, what’s mild for most can turn severe fast. Complications like meningitis or blood infections are possible.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of Listeria infection can show up a few days or even weeks after eating contaminated food. Watch for:

Fever and chills

Muscle aches and fatigue

Nausea and diarrhea

Headache, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance in tougher cases

If you’re in Connecticut and recently ate Pecorino Romano from Big Y, and you get these symptoms, don’t wait—reach out to your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you live with seniors, pregnant women, or babies.

What Big Y Customers Should Do Now

Big Y says it’s working closely with local and state health authorities to keep people safe. Stores have already removed the recalled cheese from shelves in places from Enfield and Windsor down to Milford and Branford.

If you think you might’ve bought the affected Pecorino Romano cheese, here’s what you should do.

Return, Refund, and Safe Handling

Health officials and Big Y recommend these steps:

Don’t eat the cheese. If you have Pecorino Romano from Big Y and aren’t sure if it’s affected, toss it or bring it back.

Return to the store. Bring the cheese—or just your receipt if you already threw out the packaging—back to any Big Y for a full refund.

Clean your fridge. Wipe down any surfaces, shelves, or containers that touched the cheese with hot, soapy water, then use a disinfectant.

Wash your hands. After handling the cheese or cleaning, wash up well with soap and warm water.

These steps can really help prevent cross-contamination, especially in busy households in cities like Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury, where lots of people might be sharing the same fridge.

Ongoing Monitoring and Food Safety in Connecticut

The Pecorino Romano recall really highlights why routine testing matters so much in today’s food supply chain. Sure, recalls are disruptive, but honestly, they show the oversight system’s actually working—catching problems before they spiral out of control.

State and local health agencies are still keeping an eye on things. They urge everyone to stay informed, watch for symptoms, and report any suspected foodborne illness right away.

If you live in Connecticut—whether it’s Norwich, Fairfield, or anywhere in between—here’s the main takeaway: check your cheese, follow recall instructions, and don’t wait to talk to a doctor if you’re not feeling well after eating the product.

Here is the source article for this story: Cheeses sold in Connecticut recalled over listeria contamination, FDA says

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