Great Lakes Cheese Co. has initiated a nationwide voluntary recall of various shredded cheese products due to the potential presence of metal fragments. The recall, initially announced in October, was classified as Class II by the FDA, indicating a risk of temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for affected products and return them for a refund or discard them safely.
Key Takeaways
- What: Voluntary recall of shredded cheese products.
- Why: Potential metal fragments from supplier raw material.
- Who: Great Lakes Cheese Co. is the manufacturer.
- Where: Distributed in 31 states and Puerto Rico.
- Retailers: Sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Aldi.
- Classification: Class II recall by the FDA.
Details of the Recall
The recall was first announced by Great Lakes Cheese Co. on October 3rd, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigning it a Class II designation on December 1st. This classification signifies that exposure to the product could lead to temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, though the probability of serious harm is considered remote.
The issue was identified after a supplier of low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese informed Great Lakes Cheese of a recall due to foreign material. Great Lakes Cheese Co. stated that all affected raw material was isolated, and packaged goods containing it were removed. The company asserts that products currently on retail shelves are safe and not associated with this recall.
Affected Products and Distribution
Hundreds of thousands of cases, totaling over 1.5 million bags, are affected by this recall. The products were distributed across 31 states, including Alabama, California, Florida, New York, and Texas, as well as Puerto Rico. The recall encompasses a wide variety of shredded cheese blends, cuts, and sizes, sold under numerous private label store brands.
Some of the affected brands include Always Save, Borden, Brookshire’s, Cache Valley Creamery, Coburn Farms, Food Club, Food Lion, Good & Gather, Great Value, Happy Farms, H-E-B, Hill Country Fare, Know & Love, Laura Lynn, Lucerne Dairy Farms, Publix, Sprouts Farmers Market, Stater Bros. Markets, and Sunnyside Farms.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled shredded cheese products are urged to check the product’s brand, UPC code, and “best by” date against the FDA’s list. Affected products typically have sell-by dates ranging from January to late March 2026. If you have an affected product, you should either discard it securely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. It is also recommended to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese.
Sources
- Shredded cheeses voluntarily recalled from Target, Walmart and more due to possible metal contamination, ABC News.
- Over 250,000 cases of shredded cheese recalled over possible metal fragments, NBC News.
- Over 1.5 Million Bags of Shredded Cheese Recalled for Potential Metal Contamination, People.com.
- FDA warns of metal fragments, Beaumont Enterprise.
- Shredded cheese sold in NY and other states recalled over possible metal fragments, WHEC.com.