The FDA has issued a sweeping multi-state recall that has quickly captured national attention after dozens of shredded cheese products were found to contain possible metal fragments. What began as a quiet internal alert at Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. in early October has now expanded into one of the largest cheese recalls of 2025, affecting major retailers like Walmart, Target, Aldi, H-E-B, Publix, Sprouts, and several regional grocery chains across 31 states and Puerto Rico. The updated Class II safety designation, confirmed by the FDA on December 2, signals that although the health risk is considered moderate, the danger is real enough for consumers to take immediate action. Even though most injuries linked to Class II recalls are usually temporary or reversible, the idea of metal making its way into a dinner plate is unsettling for shoppers across the country, which has pushed this recall into the national spotlight.
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Why the Cheese Recall Was Issued
The recall traces back to October 3, when internal screening at Great Lakes Cheese detected irregularities that raised concern about possible metal contamination. Although the company initially handled the issue internally, later testing confirmed that fragments could indeed be present in several cheese batches. This confirmation forced the FDA to broaden the recall and reclassify it for public safety. A Class II recall means consumers could experience issues like mouth cuts, internal abrasions, or digestive discomfort if the product is consumed, even though life-threatening consequences are unlikely. What makes this incident particularly significant is the scale of Great Lakes Cheese’s operations. As one of the country’s largest suppliers of private-label shredded cheese, any disruption in its production lines ripples across supermarket shelves nationwide almost instantly. A single malfunctioning piece of equipment perhaps a shaving or alignment issue in the machinery can set off a chain reaction that affects millions of grocery items before the problem is caught, which appears to be exactly what happened here.
Which Cheese Products Are Included in the Recall
The recall covers a wide range of shredded cheese categories, and the list of brands is extensive because Great Lakes Cheese manufactures private-label products for numerous national retailers. The affected varieties include low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, Italian-style blends, pizza-style shreds, mozzarella-provolone mixes, and mozzarella-parmesan blends. Brands tied to the recall include Great Value, Good & Gather, Happy Farms, Publix, H-E-B, Brookshire’s, Econo, Food Club, Coburn Farms, Stater Bros., Lucerne, Laura Lynn, Know & Love, Schnuck’s, and many others. The wide variety of labels may make the recall feel confusing or overwhelming for shoppers, especially since these are everyday items most families buy regularly, but the FDA’s recommendation is straightforward consumers should check their lot numbers and avoid using any product associated with the affected batches.
States Where the Recalled Cheese Was Sold
To help shoppers quickly understand the scope of the recall, below is a clearly organized table showing all states and regions included in the FDA’s alert. This recall spans nearly every major region, illustrating the reach of a large supplier like Great Lakes Cheese.
Location Map of the Shredded Cheese Recall
| Region | States Impacted |
|---|---|
| South & Southeast | AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX |
| Midwest | IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, NE, WI |
| West & Southwest | AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OK, OR, UT, WA |
| Northeast | NY, PA, VA |
| Territories | Puerto Rico |
This recall footprint makes clear that customers across the U.S. should carefully check their refrigerators, especially if they recently purchased shredded cheese for holiday cooking, everyday meals, or bulk storage.
What Consumers Should Do If They Bought the Recalled Cheese
Although the FDA did not give explicit instructions on disposal, food-safety experts emphasize that consumers should not eat or attempt to visually inspect the cheese, since metal fragments can be extremely small and impossible to spot. Many grocery stores will provide a refund with or without a receipt, even for opened packages, given the nature of the hazard. The best course of action is simply to stop using the product, check the lot numbers listed on fda.gov under the “Safety Recalls” section, and contact your retailer for guidance, as most have dedicated recall pages on their websites. Even though the health risk is considered moderate, consuming contaminated cheese could still cause mouth injuries or stomach irritation, and no one should take that risk. The situation also highlights how interconnected the food-supply chain has become one equipment issue in a single plant can translate into millions of affected grocery items across dozens of states.
Important Notes for Consumers
- Do not eat the recalled cheese, even if it appears normal.
- Refunds are typically offered for both opened and unopened packages.
- Seek medical care if you experience pain, cuts, or discomfort after consuming the product.
Why This Recall Matters More Than Usual
While food recalls are relatively common, recalls involving metal fragments are taken especially seriously because they point to issues in equipment maintenance an area regulators monitor closely under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Notices and enforcement details connected to recalls like this are regularly published on federalregister.gov, offering transparency into how manufacturers are required to respond. This incident also serves as a reminder of how centralized food production has become. When one large manufacturer oversees dozens of private-label brands, an unexpected equipment malfunction can impact far more households than most people realize, turning what should be a simple bag of cheese into a nationwide safety concern.
FAQs
- What is the risk level of a Class II recall?
A Class II recall indicates a moderate health risk. Injuries are usually temporary, but metal fragments can still cause cuts or internal irritation. - Can I get a refund for an opened cheese package?
Yes. Most retailers will issue refunds for opened or unopened recalled items due to the safety concern involved. - How can I check if my specific bag is included?
Match your lot number and UPC code with the official recall notice available on fda.gov under the “Safety Recalls” section. - Are other dairy products from these brands affected?
No. Only shredded cheese linked to specific production batches from Great Lakes Cheese is part of this recall. - What symptoms should I watch for if I ate the recalled cheese?
Look out for mouth cuts, stomach pain, unusual irritation, or any persistent discomfort, and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
