Over one million cheese products recalled in the U.S. over possible metal contamination

Contaminated cheese recalled

Risk of metal fragments

Brands affected in 31 states

According to USA TODAY, the recall of more than one million bags of cheese raised immediate concern among consumers, especially due to the possibility of metal fragments being present in several products distributed nationwide.

The FDA updated its report, assigning a “Class 1” classification—used only when there is a potential risk of temporary or medically reversible adverse effects linked to contaminated foods.

Great Lakes Cheese initiated the recall on October 3, noting that the cheese blends could contain metal pieces that pose a threat to public health in the United States.

The scope of the recall attracted widespread media attention, considering that numerous households purchased the products at stores such as Walmart, Target and Aldi during the affected period.

Company identifies possible metal contamination

Shredded cheeses sold at Walmart, Target recalled. See affected items. https://t.co/u5xUab99if

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) December 4, 2025

Great Lakes Cheese reported that some batches of shredded cheese may have been accidentally contaminated with metal fragments during production at its Ohio facilities.

The company explained that this risk prompted a preventative recall of all suspect bags to avoid physical injuries caused by ingesting metallic particles.

The company’s statement indicated that the recalled products are no longer available on store shelves, ensuring that new units now distributed are completely safe for consumption.

The brand reiterated its commitment to food safety, emphasizing that its internal records show the recall has been fully completed—even though it still appears as “ongoing” in regulatory reports.

FDA reclassifies the case as Class 1

Cheese recall over metal contamination – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The FDA reviewed the information and reclassified the recall as “Class 1,” a category reserved for significant risks requiring immediate attention from consumers and food distributors.

This decision underscored the potential severity of the incident, as the presence of metal in processed foods represents a physical hazard capable of causing discomfort or temporary injuries.

The agency explained that the classification reflects its hazard evaluation standards, recognizing that even small fragments can cause harm if accidentally ingested during routine food consumption.

Regulators will continue monitoring the recall process to ensure all affected units are removed and properly replaced across various retail chains.

Contaminated cheese recall affects multiple brands

Contaminated cheese recall impacts major national chains — PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The recall included shredded cheese blends distributed in thirty-one states under popular brand names such as Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Sprouts and Happy Farms.

Each of these brands sold products containing part-skim mozzarella, along with blends that included provolone, parmesan, romano, fontina, asiago and mild cheddar in various proportions.

The report specified that all the blends were individually packaged in plastic bags commonly used by consumers for cooking, preparing pizzas or complementing various dishes.

The presence of these brands in major national retailers increased the need to inform the public quickly to avoid accidental consumption of products potentially contaminated with metal fragments.

Major retailers remove affected products

Cheese recall over metal contamination impacts major national chains — PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Stores such as Walmart, Target and Aldi were part of the original distribution, amplifying the scale of the recall due to high sales volumes and widespread availability across multiple regions.

The company emphasized that the recalled products are no longer accessible to the public and that retailers have replaced their inventory with entirely safe new units.

This swift commercial response helped prevent further circulation of affected products, reducing the likelihood that consumers would accidentally purchase potentially contaminated cheese.

Health authorities recommend that anyone who bought cheese during the specified period check their packaging to verify whether it matches items included in the recall alert.

Cheese recall includes several blends

The FDA report specifically lists Italian-style blends combining part-skim mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, romano, fontina and asiago, all packaged in individual plastic bags.

Pizza-style blends—including part-skim mozzarella with mild cheddar, commonly used for quick homemade meals—were also withdrawn.

Mozzarella–provolone blends (unsmoked) appeared on the recall list as well, affecting multiple brands that distributed these mixtures across numerous states.

Another category included in the recall was mozzarella–parmesan blends, also individually packaged and sold under various nationally recognized brands.

Wide distribution increases public concern

Distribution across thirty-one states prompted concern among consumers who had purchased cheese during the affected timeframe, leading many to check their refrigerators as a precaution.

The wide reach of the recall highlights the importance of strict food-safety controls for mass-consumption products, especially those with a steady presence in high-traffic supermarkets.

Media coverage amplified attention to the case, emphasizing how everyday cheese blends used in American households could pose a physical risk due to accidental contamination.

The FDA reiterated its recommendation to discard any product matching the recall description, urging consumers to prioritize safety before seeking refunds or replacements.