FDA Issues Warning Over Shredded Cheese Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers to check their shredded cheese products for possible metal contamination.

The recall was announced by the Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese Company on October 3. They’ve positioned themselves as a prominent manufacturer and packer of various cheese products, both natural and processed.

On December 1, the FDA categorized the recall under Class II. This means that while the risk of serious health effects is not likely, there could be temporary or reversible health issues from exposure to the contaminated product.

Recalls are grouped into three classes. Class I is the most critical, indicating a significant risk of severe health problems or even death from using the product. Class II, on the other hand, indicates a lesser but still concerning risk.

The affected shredded cheese was sold under numerous brand names, including Always Save and Borden, among others. The majority of the recall involves low-moisture, part-skim shredded mozzarella, but it also extends to several Italian-style and pizza-style cheese blends.

Cheese products from Great Lakes Cheese can be found at well-known retailers like Aldi, Target, and Walmart.

The potentially contaminated cheese was distributed across many states, including California, New York, and Texas, as well as Puerto Rico.

Great Lakes Cheese has not yet commented on the situation. The FDA advises that consumers who believe they have purchased the recalled cheese can typically return it to the store for a full refund. They strongly recommend against giving any possibly contaminated products to food banks, pets, or others and also advise proper disposal by securely wrapping the items before throwing them away.