Check your fridge for these brands: 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese recalled

Authorities have announced a voluntary recall of more than 1.5 million bags of various shredded cheeses sold at major U.S. retailers, including stores in California, due to the risk of metal fragments. The recall was initiated in early October by Great Lakes Cheese Co., based in Ohio, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall affects over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese and was prompted by the possibility of metal contamination in the products. On Monday, the FDA classified the recall as "Class II," indicating that exposure to the affected cheeses could result in temporary or medically reversible health issues. The FDA continues to investigate the situation.

Great Lakes Cheese Co. describes itself as a leading producer and packager of natural and processed cheeses, including bulk, shredded, and sliced varieties.

Affected Products

• 235,000 cases of low-moisture part-skim mozzarella shredded cheese from brands such as 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 by Aldi, H-E-B, Hill Country Fare, Know & Love, Laura Lynn, Lucerne Dairy Farms, Nu Farm, Publix, Schnucks, Simply Go, Sprouts Farmers Market, Stater Bros. Markets, and Sunnyside Farms.
• 1,900 cases of Happy Farms by Aldi Italian-style shredded cheese blend.
• Over 15,000 cases of Italian-style shredded cheese blend from brands including Brookshire's, Cache Valley Creamery, Coburn Farms, Great Value, Know & Love, Laura Lynn, Publix, Simply Go, and Happy Farms.
• 117 cases of Food Club finely shredded pizza-style four-cheese blend.
• More than 4,000 cases of mozzarella and mild cheddar blend from Econo, Food Club, Gold Rush Creamery, Great Value, Laura Lynn, and Simply Go.
• More than 4,000 cases of mozzarella and non-smoked provolone blend from Freedom's Choice, Good & Gather, Great Lakes Cheese, and Great Value.
• Over 1,800 cases of Good & Gather mozzarella and parmesan blend.

The products carry sell-by dates from January through late March of the following year. A complete list of affected items, including UPC codes, is available on the FDA website.

Distribution

The recalled cheeses were sold in five different varieties under multiple brand names at major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Aldi, and were distributed across 31 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington, as well as Puerto Rico.

FDA Guidance

The FDA advises consumers to either return recalled products to the place of purchase or dispose of them. If the contaminated cheese contacted surfaces in your home, those areas should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Hands should also be washed with warm water and soap after handling.

Author: Maya Henderson