FDA Upgrades Recall: Over 1 Million Bags of Shredded Cheese May Contain Metal Fragments — Major U.S. Retailers Affected

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a mass recall of more than one million bags of shredded cheese manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese Co. of Hiram, Ohio, after the company identified a risk that some packages may contain metal fragments.

What Happened

Great Lakes Cheese initiated a voluntary recall in October. This week the FDA reclassified the action as a Class II recall, indicating the contaminated products could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences if consumed. Swallowed metal fragments could potentially injure the mouth, throat or internal organs.

Scope of the Recall

More than 1 million bags are included in the expanded recall. Nearly 236,000 cases of low‑moisture part‑skim mozzarella shredded cheese make up the largest single portion of affected product. The recalled items have sell‑by dates ranging from January through March 2026.

Where The Products Were Sold

The recalled cheeses were sold at major U.S. retailers, including Aldi, Publix, Target and Walmart, across 31 states and Puerto Rico.

Retail Locations (By State)

Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.

Product Types and Brands Included

The recall covers a wide range of shredded cheeses (low‑moisture part‑skim mozzarella, Italian‑style blends, pizza blends and mixed shredded cheeses) sold under many private‑label and national brands. The FDA has posted a full list of recalled products, including package sizes, UPC codes and best‑by dates — check the FDA recall notice for complete details.

Examples Of Affected Brands

• Shredded Mozzarella — Always Save; Borden; Brookshire’s; Cache Valley Creamery; Chestnut Hill; Coburn Farms; Econo; Food Club; Food Lion; Gold Rush Creamery; Good & Gather; Great Lakes Cheese; Happy Farms (Aldi); H‑E‑B; Hill Country Fare; Know & Love; Laura Lynn; Lucerne; Nu Farm; Publix; Schuck’s; Simply Go; Sprouts; Stater Bros.; Sunnyside Farms.
• Italian‑Style Blends — Brookshire’s; Cache Valley Creamery; Coburn Farms; Great Value; Happy Farms (Aldi); Know & Love; Laura Lynn; Publix; Simply Go.
• Pizza‑Style Blends — Econo; Food Club; Freedom’s Choice; Gold Rush Creamery; Great Value; Laura Lynn; Simply Go.
• Blended Shredded Cheeses — Good & Gather (mozzarella & provolone; mozzarella & parmesan); Great Lakes Cheese (mozzarella & provolone); Great Value (provolone & mozzarella).

What Consumers Should Do

• Do not eat any of the affected products.
• Discard recalled packages — including those stored in freezers — or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
• Check the FDA recall page for the complete product list, UPCs and best‑by dates to confirm whether your purchase is included.
• If you or someone else may have swallowed metal fragments or is experiencing symptoms (pain in the mouth, throat or abdomen, bleeding, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing), seek medical attention promptly.

For full details and the complete list of affected UPCs and best‑by dates, visit the FDA recall notice or contact Great Lakes Cheese Co.