The Great Lakes Cheese Co. has once again made headlines, but this time for an unfortunate reason. The company has issued a significant recall for a variety of shredded cheeses, affecting numerous brands and states across the country. Shredded cheese products from Great Lakes Cheese, which are sold under different brand names, have been recalled due to potential contamination with metal fragments, posing a risk to consumers.
The recall, initiated on October 3, 2025, has led to widespread concern and has been a subject of ongoing investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The contaminated products, which were distributed in 31 states, have been linked to a supplier of low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese. The affected cheeses were sold at major retail chains, including Walmart, Target, and Aldi, adding to the complexity of the recall process.
This is not the first time Great Lakes Cheese has faced a recall. Just two years ago, the company recalled 7,218,700 pounds of cheese due to incorrect refrigeration instructions, highlighting a recurring issue in its quality control processes.
In a statement to The Times, Great Lakes Cheese Co. acknowledged the supplier’s notification and took immediate action to recall the affected products. The voluntary recall, which was first announced on October 3, includes over 250,000 cases of shredded cheese, each containing between 4 and 12 bags. The recalled products include various types of shredded cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and Italian blends, sold under brand names like Good & Gather, Happy Farms by Aldi, and Market Pantry.
The FDA has issued guidelines for consumers, advising them to check their refrigerators for the recalled products and to dispose of them immediately if found. The agency has also provided a comprehensive list of the affected products, which includes detailed information on the brands, package sizes, and UPC codes.
For those who have purchased the recalled cheese, the FDA recommends checking the product details against the list provided by the agency. Consumers are also advised to monitor for any symptoms of metal ingestion, which can include abdominal pain, vomiting, and internal bleeding. If any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.
The Great Lakes Cheese Co. has stated that it is cooperating fully with the FDA and has taken steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The company has also expressed its commitment to consumer safety and quality control, emphasizing its role as a leading natural cheese packager in the nation.
This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control measures in the food industry. As consumers, it is crucial to stay informed about product recalls and to take immediate action when notified of potential risks. With the holiday season approaching, many households will be stocking up on foods like shredded cheese, making it even more critical to check for recalls and ensure the safety of the products being consumed.
