Ohio is one of 11 states and the District of Columbia that received tainted imported ricotta cheese that has made 14 people ill and caused one death.
Forever Cheese Inc. of New York is linked to the 800 wheels of ricotta salata, or roughly 4,800 pounds of cheese, due to possible listeria contamination.
One person in Ohio became ill from the batch of cheese, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The recalled cheese is labeled Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese. It is a product of Italy. Consumers should consult with their retailer if they have questions about their cheese's origins.
Giant Eagle, which has a number of stores in Ohio, reported the chain does not sell that brand of ricotta cheese.
The CDC recommends that consumers not eat imported Frescolina brand ricotta Cheese, especially pregnant women, persons with weakened immune systems and older adults.
In addition to Ohio, the cheese was distributed to retail stores and restaurants in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington between June 20 and Aug. 9.
Most people who consumed the cheese would not know where it came from because it was distributed in large wheels for retailers or restaurants to break down into smaller servings or packages. Ricotta salata is a salty, white cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk.
It is not the same as soft ricotta cheese sold in tubs and used to make lasagna.
DiMeo said he would generally advise his customers not to hold on to the cheese for more than 30 days. The CDC, however, said the ricotta can have up to a four-month shelf life, so some consumers may still have it in their homes.