Heads up, family! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just dropped a serious alert, recalling over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese. Why? Because these products, spread across 31 states and Puerto Rico, might be laced with metal fragments. That’s right, metal in your cheese! The big name behind this recall is none other than Great Lakes Cheese Co., a major supplier for many of our go-to stores.
This company is a powerhouse, producing cheese for private labels at places like Target, Walmart, and Aldi. So, if you’ve grabbed store-brand shredded cheese lately, listen up. The Great Lakes Cheese Co. recall covers various types: mozzarella, Italian-style, pizza-style, along with mozzarella & provolone mix, and mozzarella & parmesan mix. The FDA has categorized this as a Class II recall, meaning if you consume these products, you could face “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”
We’re talking potential lacerations to your mouth, throat, or intestines, and even dental injuries from those tiny pieces of metal. Seriously, nobody wants that with their pizza or taco night.
Recalled Cheese Distributed Across 31 States and Puerto Rico
This widespread recall affects a large chunk of the country. Consumers in these states need to pay close attention: 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, and Wisconsin. And yes, Puerto Rico is also on that list.
The FDA is urging everyone to check your refrigerators pronto. If you find any of these affected cheese brands, don’t even think about using them. Discard them immediately or take them back to the store for a refund.
Great Lakes Cheese Co. Responds to Recall
As one of the biggest private-label cheese producers in the U.S., Great Lakes Cheese Co. has confirmed the recall. They say they’re fully cooperating with the FDA’s investigation and are taking “proactive measures to remove all affected products” from shelves. Plus, they’ve implemented “additional quality control checks” to try and prevent this from happening again.
Thankfully, no injuries or illnesses have been reported so far, which is a blessing. But the FDA is keeping a close eye on the situation.
If you’ve bought any of the recalled products, the company is asking you to reach out to Great Lakes Cheese customer service. They can give you all the details for refunds and any other information you might need.
