The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly escalated a major food safety alert, upgrading a recall of more than 1.5 million pounds of shredded cheese to its second-highest threat level.
Recall Escalated to Class II Threat
On 1 December, the FDA reclassified an October recall initiated by The Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. of Hiram, Ohio, to a Class II recall. This serious designation indicates that consuming the affected products could lead to "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences." The recall now encompasses a staggering 64 different shredded cheese products under multiple well-known supermarket brands.
The contamination, which involves small, sharp metal shards, is believed to have originated in the raw materials supplied to the manufacturer. While the FDA advisory pinpointed the source as "raw materials," the specific component—whether a food ingredient or a piece of machinery—has not been publicly disclosed by the company.
Severe Health Risks from Metal Shards
The potential dangers of ingesting these metal fragments are grave and multifaceted. Initially, the sharp pieces can lacerate the throat and oesophagus, causing immediate pain, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing.
The primary risk, however, occurs as the shards travel through the digestive system. They can puncture or perforate the stomach or intestinal lining, creating a life-threatening medical emergency. Such a perforation allows digestive bacteria to leak into the abdominal cavity, potentially causing peritonitis, sepsis, and organ failure.
Even without perforation, a shard can become lodged and cause a dangerous bowel obstruction requiring surgery. There is also a risk of toxic metal poisoning over time if the fragments contain substances like lead or cadmium.
Widespread Distribution and Consumer Action
The recalled cheeses, which include various types of mozzarella and Italian-style blends, were sold under popular labels such as Borden, Good & Gather, H-E-B, and Publix. They reached consumers through major retailers including Aldi, Target, and Walmart across 31 US states and Puerto Rico.
The FDA urges all consumers who have purchased any of the affected products to immediately dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. This instruction includes any cheese that may have been placed in a freezer for later use. Anyone who suspects they may have ingested a metal fragment should seek immediate medical attention.
This incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in food production, where metal contamination can occur during processes like cutting cheese with wire slicers or straining curds through metal screens. The Ohio-based manufacturer has stated the issue originated with its suppliers but has not provided further specifics on the investigation.
