Metal Fragments Trigger Emergency Pullback at Major U.S. Retailers
The Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. has voluntarily recalled a broad range of shredded-cheese products because they may contain metal fragments — prompting nationwide concern and consumer action. Sources: AP News; WOWT
⚠️ What’s Happening — and Why It Matters
On December 1, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) elevated the recall to a Class II designation. That means ingestion of the contaminated cheese could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” Sources: ABC News; Simply Recipes
The contamination stems from “metal fragments” — likely coming from faulty raw materials supplied to Great Lakes Cheese — which pose a real risk of injury. The FDA warns that metal shards can cause dental damage or cuts to the mouth, throat or digestive tract. Sources: Newsweek; NBC
🧾 What Products Are Recalled — and Where They Were Sold
The recall affects 64 shredded-cheese products sold under a wide variety of store-brand labels. These include: Sources: WOWT; Parade
- Shredded mozzarella (low-moisture, part-skim)
- Italian-style shredded blends
- Pizza-style shredded blends
- Mozzarella + Provolone blends
- Mozzarella + Parmesan shredded blends
These cheeses were sold at major U.S. grocery retailers including Walmart, Target, ALDI, Publix, H-E-B, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Food Lion — among others. Sources: EatingWell; WOWT
The recall spans 31 U.S. states plus Puerto Rico, including Minnesota. Sources: People; EatingWell
Bag sizes vary from small 8-ounce packs up to 5-pound bulk packages, and affected lots have “best-by” dates extending into early 2026. Sources: WOWT; Parade
✅ What Consumers Should Do Immediately
If you have shredded cheese from one of the major grocery stores — especially the kinds listed above — you should:
- Check the packaging carefully. Compare UPCs, brand names, and “best-by” dates. If it matches a recalled product, don’t consume it.
- Discard the cheese — or return it for a refund. The FDA recommends throwing it out or returning it to the store. Sources: Simply Recipes; NBC
- Do not assume it’s safe just because the cheese looks or smells “normal.” Metal fragments won’t necessarily be visible, but they can still pose a health risk. Source: Newsweek
So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, but health officials urge consumers to take the warning seriously and remove any affected products from their kitchens. Sources: Newsweek; Total Apex
Sources & Images: (Listed above). Facebook.