The shredded cheese recall involving Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. raised food safety concerns across the United States after certain cheese products were identified as potentially containing metal fragments. The affected products were distributed under numerous supermarket brands, including Great Value, Good & Gather, Happy Farms, Publix, and H-E-B.
The recall involved several types of shredded cheese, including mozzarella, Italian-style blends, pizza blends, and mozzarella-provolone combinations. Consumers were advised to check product packaging, UPC codes, and best-by dates to identify potentially affected products.
This guide explains the recall timeline, affected brands, product identification methods, possible health risks, refund procedures, and important safety precautions.
Shredded Cheese Recall Timeline
The recall originated in October 2025 after concerns about possible metal contamination in raw materials supplied to Great Lakes Cheese.
| Date | Recall Development |
| October 3, 2025 | Great Lakes Cheese initiated the recall. |
| Late 2025 | Retailers and distributors began removing affected products. |
| December 1, 2025 | The FDA classified the recall as Class II. |
| December 2025 | Related recall numbers appeared in FDA enforcement records. |
| Early 2026 | Recall documentation continued to identify affected products. |
The supplied recall information described the event as ongoing in August 2026. Its status as of October 2026 has not been independently verified.
Recall at a Glance
The recall covered multiple categories of shredded cheese distributed through supermarkets and foodservice suppliers.
| Recall Number | Product Category | Reported Cases |
| H-0215-2026 | Shredded mozzarella | 235,789 |
| H-0216-2026 | Happy Farms Italian blend | 1,900 |
| H-0217-2026 | Italian-style cheese blends | 15,490 |
| H-0218-2026 | Pizza-style four-cheese blend | 117 |
| H-0219-2026 | Pizza-style cheese blends | 4,298 |
| H-0220-2026 | Mozzarella and provolone blends | 4,131 |
| H-0221-2026 | Mozzarella and Parmesan blend | 1,850 |
These figures come from the supplied recall draft and require confirmation against official FDA records before publication.
Read more: Shredded Cheese Recall
States Affected by the Recall
The supplied information identifies distribution across numerous states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas, Kentucky Louisiana Maine Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska, Nevada New Mexico New York North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Puerto Rico was also included in the reported distribution area.
Consumers should remember that distribution within a state does not mean every store or every package from a particular brand was affected.
Recalled Shredded Cheese Brands and UPC Codes
Several popular supermarket brands appeared in the supplied recall information.
Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
| Brand | Package Size | UPC |
| Always Save | 5 lb | 7003865782 |
| Borden | 8 oz | 5300007162 |
| Brookshire’s | 8 oz | 9282510120 |
| Food Club | 8 oz | 3680005117 |
| Good & Gather | 8 oz | 8523903849 |
| Great Value | 8 oz | 7874235317 |
| Happy Farms | 16 oz | 4061463330864 |
| H-E-B | 8 oz | 4122022272 |
| Publix | 8 oz | 4141511665 |
| Sprouts Farmers Market | 8 oz | 4667052284 |
These are selected entries from the supplied draft, not a complete independently verified product list.
Italian-Style Shredded Cheese Blends
Italian-style cheese blends commonly contain combinations of mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and other cheeses.
| Brand | Package Size | UPC |
| Brookshire’s Italian Six Cheese | 8 oz | 9282510174 |
| Cache Valley Creamery | 8 oz | 7495800257 |
| Great Value Italian Style | 8 oz | 7874201566 |
| Happy Farms Italian Blend | 12 oz | 4061463330949 |
| Publix Italian Six Cheese | 8 oz | 4141518065 |
Pizza-Style Shredded Cheese Blends
Pizza-style cheese blends are frequently used for homemade pizzas, baked pasta, and casseroles.
The supplied recall list identifies products sold under brands such as Econo, Food Club, Freedom’s Choice, Great Value, and Simply Go.
Consumers should compare the complete product name and identifying information before deciding whether a package is affected.
Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese Blends
Some affected products combined mozzarella with provolone or Parmesan.
Brands identified in the supplied information include Good & Gather, Great Value, and Great Lakes Cheese.
Foodservice-size packages were also listed, making supplier verification important for restaurants and commercial kitchens.
How to Find the UPC and Best-By Date
Identifying potentially affected cheese requires checking several details on the package.
Locate the UPC Code
The UPC is usually printed beneath the barcode on the back or bottom of the package. It identifies the retail product but does not necessarily distinguish individual production batches.
Check the Best-By Date
The best-by date is often printed near the top seal. Some packages also include lot numbers or production codes.
Compare Product Information
Consumers should compare the brand, package size, UPC, best-by date, and lot information against the official recall notice.
A matching brand or UPC alone does not automatically confirm that every package was recalled.
What Does a Class II Recall Mean?
The FDA classifies recalls according to the potential health consequences associated with the affected product.
A Class II recall applies when exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or when the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
Although this classification indicates a lower level of risk than Class I, recalled food products should still be handled according to official safety instructions.
Health Risks of Contaminated Cheese
Metal fragments in food can potentially cause physical injuries. The severity depends on the size, shape, and location of the foreign material.
Risks for Children
Children may be more vulnerable to choking and injuries involving foreign objects in food.
Risks for Older Adults
Older adults with swallowing difficulties may experience additional complications if they accidentally consume contaminated products.
Risks During Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals should avoid recalled products and seek medical advice if they experience concerning symptoms after possible exposure.
Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
Warning signs may include persistent throat pain, difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool.
Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, severe pain, or suspected internal injury should seek emergency medical care.
What to Do With Recalled Cheese
Consumers who identify a confirmed recalled package should stop using it immediately.
Handling an Affected Package
Keep the product away from children and pets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for returning or disposing of it.
Photographing the package details may help when contacting a retailer about a refund.
Can Cooking Remove the Contamination?
Cooking cannot reliably eliminate physical metal fragments. Heat may destroy certain microorganisms, but it does not make food containing metal debris safe.
Can Freezing Make the Cheese Safe?
Freezing does not remove metal contamination. Confirmed recalled products should not be consumed even if they have been stored in a freezer.
Retailer-Specific Refund Guidance
Retailers may provide refunds or other assistance for recalled products. Policies can vary depending on the store and official recall instructions.
Walmart
Customers with affected Great Value products should contact Walmart customer service for current return procedures.
Target
Customers who purchased potentially affected Good & Gather products can contact Target Guest Services for guidance.
Aldi
Customers with affected Happy Farms products should check Aldi’s official recall information and return instructions.
Publix, H-E-B, and Sprouts
Customers should contact their respective retailers to confirm refund eligibility and any receipt requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Shredded Cheese Recall Still Ongoing?
The supplied recall information described the event as ongoing in August 2026. Consumers should check current FDA enforcement records to confirm its latest status.
Does Cooking or Baking Remove Metal Fragments?
Cooking and baking do not reliably remove metal fragments from contaminated food. Confirmed recalled products should not be eaten.
What Happens if You Freeze Recalled Cheese?
Freezing does not neutralize metal contamination. A recalled package remains potentially unsafe after freezer storage.
Can Recalled Cheese Be Given to Pets?
Metal fragments may also injure animals. Recalled cheese should not be given to pets.
Does the Recall Affect Restaurants?
Some affected products were listed in foodservice-size packages. Restaurants should check their supplier records and inventory for matching products.
Are Frozen Pizzas Included in the Recall?
The supplied recall information focuses on shredded cheese products. Frozen pizzas should only be considered recalled if specifically identified in an official notice.
Are Block Cheese and Sliced Cheese Also Recalled?
The supplied list focuses on shredded cheese. Consumers should check official recall notices to determine whether other cheese formats are affected.
Can Customers Receive Refunds for Opened Packages?
Refund eligibility depends on the retailer’s recall procedures. Customers should contact the store where the product was purchased.
Where Can Consumers Find Official Recall Information?
Consumers can visit the FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts website to review official recall notices and product information.
How Can Consumers Identify an Affected Cheese Package?
Consumers should compare the product name, brand, UPC code, package size, best-by date, and lot number against the official recall documentation.
