Walmart shoppers, take a look in your fridge. Several versions of Great Value cottage cheese were recalled in 24 states because they may not have been properly pasteurized, according to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Here’s what to know about the cottage cheese recall — including which containers are affected and how to get your money back.
What’s Wrong With the Cottage Cheese?
The recall involves cottage cheese sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand and manufactured by Saputo Cheese USA. During routine “pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises,” the company discovered that some liquid dairy ingredients may not have been fully pasteurized in accordance with state regulatory standards. That doesn’t sound good.
Pasteurization is the process of heating dairy products to kill harmful germs. If a product isn’t properly pasteurized, it can carry bacteria that pose health risks — especially for older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. The FDA says no illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported as of February 25.
Which Walmart Cottage Cheese Was Recalled?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the following products are affected:
- Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese (0% milkfat) — 24-ounce container
- Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese (2% milkfat) — 24-ounce container
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese (4% milkfat minimum) — 16-ounce, 24-ounce, and 3-pound containers
The recalled cottage cheese was sold between February 17 and February 20.
Where Was It Sold?
The affected products were sold at Walmart stores in the following states:
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
What Should I Do if I Bought It?
If you purchased any of the recalled cottage cheese, officials say do not eat it. You can return it to Walmart for a full refund.
According to the recall notice, the impacted pasteurizer has since been repaired, verified, and sealed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The affected products have been removed from store shelves. If you’re unsure whether your container is included in the recall, you can check the FDA’s recall notice online or contact Walmart customer service for more details.
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