Saputo Cheese USA Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of several Great Value cottage cheese products sold at Walmart stores across 24 US states due to concerns that liquid dairy ingredients may not have been fully pasteurised.
The recall, announced on Tuesday and posted on the FDA website, affects 24-ounce tubs of Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese (0% milkfat), 2% milkfat, and 4% milkfat varieties. Additionally, 16-ounce and 3-pound tubs of the 4% milkfat product are included.
According to Saputo, consuming products that are not fully pasteurised can pose a significant health risk, particularly for young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. No illnesses or hospitalisations have been reported to date.
The affected products were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centres in 24 states between February 17 and February 20. Customers are advised to check the 'Best Buy' dates on the side of the container and the UPC code. A full list of affected codes and dates is available on the FDA website.
Saputo stated that the issue was discovered during pasteuriser troubleshooting exercises. The impacted pasteuriser has been returned to normal function and verified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. No other products from the facility are affected.
Customers who purchased the recalled items are urged not to consume them and to dispose of them or return them to the store for a full refund.
