The recent shredded cheese recall initiated by Great Lakes Cheese Co. has sent waves of concern among consumers across 31 states. The Ohio-based company, known as "the nation's leading natural cheese packager," announced a significant recall affecting over 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese. The potential contamination with metal fragments has prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a mandatory recall, impacting various popular brands available at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Aldi.
The FDA cheese recall involves a broad range of products, including popular labels like Good & Gather, Happy Farms by Aldi, and others. The affected cheeses were identified as being potentially contaminated with metal fragments, posing a significant health risk to consumers. The recall, initiated on October 3, 2025, has led to widespread checks and balances in the supply chain to ensure consumer safety.
One of the most alarming aspects of this recall is the scope of its impact. Dozens of labels and brands have been affected, making it crucial for consumers to check their refrigerators for recalled products. It’s reported that the contamination was traced back to a supplier of low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, underscoring the complexity of the global food supply chain.
The recall also highlights a recurring issue with Great Lakes Cheese Co., which, just two years ago in August 2023, had to recall 7,218,700 pounds of cheese due to incorrect refrigeration instructions on packaging. This raises questions about the company’s quality control measures and regulatory compliance, which have come under scrutiny in recent months.
For consumers, the recall has meant double-checking their pantries and kitchens for any products from the affected brands. The UPC codes for the recalled products include Shredded Mozzarella, 8-ounce, UPC 5193331657, and Shredded Mozzarella, 12-ounce, UPC 5193321820. This information, along with the specific brands and sizes, is crucial for identifying and returning the products to the place of purchase for a refund.
The Walmart cheese recall and similar actions taken by Target and Aldi have led to widespread consumer awareness. The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and transparency in the food industry. Consumers are urged to remain cautious and to report any issues to the FDA or the respective retailers to help mitigate risks and prevent future incidents. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the affected products and rebuilding consumer trust in the brands involved.
