The recall affects several well-known cheese brands sold at major retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Aldi. With thousands of cases pulled from store shelves, authorities are urging consumers to check their fridges for the affected products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently elevated the recall’s classification to “Class II,” indicating that using the contaminated cheese may cause temporary health consequences.
A Growing Concern Over Food Safety
In early October, Great Lakes Cheese Co. initiated the recall after a supplier informed the company of potential metal fragments found in some of its raw materials. The company quickly acted to remove the affected products from store shelves and isolate the contaminated batches. Despite this, the recall was only recently upgraded by the FDA, signaling that the contamination may have a more serious impact than originally anticipated.
The FDA’s Class II designation suggests that while exposure to the contaminated cheese might lead to medically reversible health issues, the risks are still significant. According to the agency, the exposure could result in temporary conditions such as nausea, stomach cramps, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the FDA has stressed that, at this time, no illnesses have been reported, even as the investigation continues.
With the recall affecting more than 260,000 cases of shredded cheese, it spans a wide range of products, including popular brands like Great Value, Good & Gather, and Happy Farms by Aldi. These products were distributed to 31 states and Puerto Rico, with a range of dates and UPC codes listed by the FDA to help consumers identify the affected items.
What You Need to Know
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled cheese products should act immediately. The FDA advises either returning the products to the store where they were purchased or disposing of them securely. In addition, it is recommended that individuals who have come into contact with the affected products clean their refrigerators, countertops, and any surfaces that might have been exposed to the contaminated cheese.
The recall includes various types of shredded cheese, including mozzarella, pizza blends, and Italian-style blends. Some of the affected brands, such as Borden, Publix, and Econo, span multiple retailers, increasing the chances that many households across the nation may have purchased these products. The cheese packages range in size from 8 ounces to 5 pounds, so it’s crucial for consumers to verify their cheese’s UPC code and “Best By” dates.
For those who are unsure whether they have the affected products, the FDA has provided a full list of UPC codes and the corresponding brands on its website. Additionally, the FDA stresses that even if no immediate symptoms are experienced, consumers should avoid consuming the recalled products to prevent any potential health issues.
While the investigation into the contamination continues, the FDA is working with Great Lakes Cheese Co. to determine how the metal fragments entered the production process and to ensure that no further contamination occurs. Food safety experts agree that more rigorous monitoring and transparency are needed to prevent these kinds of incidents in the future, particularly given how many people rely on convenience products like shredded cheese in their daily meals.
