More than 1.5 million bags of cheese recalled due to possible metal contamination

The recall of over 1.5 million cheese packages has been escalated to a high-risk classification due to potential health dangers. In October, Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. initiated a recall of several cheese brands after metal fragments were suspected in the products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall covered thousands of shredded cheese cases, including Targets Good & Gather and Walmarts Great Value brands. Recently, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class II, indicating a significant health risk for consumers who eat the affected cheeses.

Products involved in the recall were distributed under multiple private labels to retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Aldi across 31 states and Puerto Rico. Some of the impacted cheeses include Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheeses sold under brand names like Hill Country Fare, Happy Farms by Aldi, Know & Love, Publix, Lucerne Dairy Farms, and Always Save.

Various pizza-style shredded cheeses from Food Club, Laura Lynn, and Great Value were also part of the recall. Popular items such as Targets Good & Gather Mozzarella & Parmesan Shredded Cheese Blend were affected. In addition, thousands of bags of shredded Mozzarella and Provolone blends from Great Lakes Cheese, Great Value, and Good & Gather are included.

The recalled products came in bags ranging from 8 to 32 ounces and can be identified through their UPC codes or Best By dates. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled cheeses or return them to the store.

This recall follows several recent cheese safety alerts. Last week, Wegmans recalled its Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese due to potential Listeria contamination. Boars Head also issued a recall for three pecorino romano products, including wedges and grated cheese, because of possible Listeria Monocytogenes presence, emphasizing customer safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that Listeria bacteria can contaminate various foods. Infections may result in invasive or intestinal illness. Short-term symptoms in healthy individuals include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain. Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S., responsible for approximately 260 deaths annually.

Author: Sophia Brooks