This week, reports emerged regarding a recall of shredded cheese products that may have been distributed across 31 states. The recall does not affect all shredded cheese items; only those with specific UPC codes and Batch/Sell By Dates listed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are included.
The recalled cheese was produced by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. It was packaged and distributed as store-brand shredded cheese to retailers such as Target, Walmart, Publix, Sprouts, among others. According to the FDA, these products were also distributed in Oregon.
The issue leading to the recall concerns the potential presence of metal fragments in certain shredded cheese products. Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., based in Hiram, Ohio, initiated the recall on October 3, 2025. The FDA classified it as a Class II recall, which means that use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects or that the risk of serious health consequences is remote. As a result of this classification, the FDA did not require a press release about the recall.
Responsibility for notifying retail stores and removing affected products from shelves lies with the manufacturer. Since this process took place in October, officials say it is unlikely any affected products remain available for sale.
Consumers who are concerned should first check if their product’s UPC code matches those on the official list. If there is a match, they should then confirm both Batch number and Sell By Date before taking further action. Products without an exact match to all three identifiers are not subject to recall.
A range of brands are impacted by this recall including 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 itself and several others across different varieties such as low-moisture part-skim mozzarella shredded cheese; Italian style blends; pizza style blends; mozzarella and provolone blends; as well as other specialty mixes.
For more details regarding lot numbers involved in this recall or for consumer guidance on what to do if they possess one of these products at home, individuals should refer directly to information provided by the FDA. Consumers who believe they have purchased recalled items are advised not to consume them.
