The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated a major food recall to a high-risk health hazard, affecting more than 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese. The products, sold under popular supermarket own-brand labels including Target's Good & Gather and Walmart's Great Value, may contain dangerous metal fragments.
Recall Escalated to Class II Hazard
Initially announced in October, the recall by manufacturer Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. has now been formally reclassified by regulators. The FDA's move to a Class II recall signifies a situation where exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. This indicates a serious health risk if the contaminated cheese is consumed.
The recall spans a vast geographical area, with the products distributed across 31 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Despite the elevated risk level, authorities have confirmed that no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the metal contamination to date.
What Products Are Affected?
The recalled items are various shredded cheese products manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese. They were sold under several private-label brands found in major retail chains. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for the following:
- Good & Gather brand shredded cheeses from Target.
- Great Value brand shredded cheeses from Walmart.
The specific lot codes and 'best by' dates involved in the recall were detailed in the original October notice from the company and the FDA.
Official Advice for Consumers
The FDA and the company are urging the public to take immediate action. Consumers should not eat the recalled cheese. The recommended course of action is to either dispose of the product safely or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
This incident follows a spate of recent food safety alerts in the dairy aisle. Other cheese brands have issued recalls in recent weeks due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, highlighting ongoing vigilance in the sector. The current metal fragment scare, however, presents a distinct and immediate physical hazard.
Food safety officials emphasise the importance of heeding such recall notices promptly. Consumers with questions can contact Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. directly or visit the FDA's official recall website for the most current information and specific product identifiers.
