A significant food safety alert has been issued in the United States, prompting a large-scale recall of popular shredded cheese products. The action was initiated over fears that the items could be contaminated with fragments of metal.
Scope of the Recall: Products and Retailers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the recall involves more than 260,000 cases of various shredded cheeses. These products were distributed across 31 states as well as Puerto Rico. The cheeses were manufactured by the Great Lakes Cheese Co. and were sold under a range of private, store-brand labels.
Major retailers affected include Target, Walmart, and Aldi. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for any store-brand shredded cheese purchased recently. The recalled items include multiple varieties such as mozzarella, Italian style, pizza style, and blends like mozzarella with provolone or mozzarella with parmesan.
Health Risks and Recall Classification
The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall. This classification means the agency believes the product "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences" or that the "probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."
Despite the classification, the potential dangers of consuming the product are clear. The FDA warns that ingesting metal fragments could lead to injuries including dental damage, cuts to the mouth or throat, or more severe internal harm such as lacerations or perforations of the intestine.
What Consumers Should Do Next
The recall notice was officially published on Wednesday 3 December 2025. Anyone who has purchased store-brand shredded cheese from the listed retailers should immediately stop using the product. They should either dispose of it safely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
While this is a US-focused incident, it underscores the critical importance of robust food safety regulations and supply chain vigilance. Consumers are advised to always heed official recall notices to protect their health and that of their families.
