Walmart Shoppers Urged to Check Fridges After Cottage Cheese Recall
Walmart shoppers across the U.S. are being urged to check their refrigerators after a widespread recall of Great Value cottage cheese products due to a potential health risk. The recall was issued by Saputo Cheese USA after it discovered that some products may not have been fully pasteurized, meaning harmful bacteria could potentially survive in the dairy.
Although no illnesses have been reported so far, health officials warn that consuming improperly pasteurized dairy can pose serious risks, especially for children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The issue was discovered during routine equipment testing, prompting an immediate recall and notification to regulators.
Because these products were widely distributed and look identical to non-recalled items, experts say it is critical for shoppers to carefully inspect labels, expiration dates, and UPC codes to determine whether their cottage cheese is part of the recall.
Full List of Recalled Products, UPCs, Sizes, and Where They Were Sold
The recall specifically affects Great Value cottage cheese products sold at Walmart stores between February 17 and February 20, 2026, in more than 20 states including California, Texas, Washington, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and others. These items were stocked in refrigerated dairy sections, typically alongside yogurt, milk, and other cottage cheese brands.
The impacted products include: Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese (24 oz, UPC 078742373393, best-by April 1 or April 3, 2026), Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese (24 oz, UPC 078742116730, best-by April 1–3, 2026), and Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese (16 oz UPC 078742372358; 24 oz UPC 078742372365; 3 lb UPC 078742147970, with best-by dates April 1–3, 2026). All were sold in white plastic tubs with white lids, with codes printed on the lid or side.
To be included in the recall, products must match all criteria, including product name, size, UPC, best-by date, and having been purchased in one of the affected states. If even one of these details does not match, the product is not part of the recall, making it especially important for consumers to double-check every detail before taking action.
Why This Recall Is Serious and What Risks It Poses
The recall was triggered by concerns that the dairy ingredients used in these products were not fully pasteurized, a process that is essential for killing harmful bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. Without proper pasteurization, these pathogens can remain in the product and potentially cause serious illness.
While healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms, vulnerable populations face a higher risk of severe complications, including infections that may require hospitalization. This is why food safety authorities treat pasteurization failures as a high-priority issue, even in cases where no illnesses have yet been reported.
The issue was traced back to a pasteurizer malfunction at the production facility, which has since been repaired and verified by regulators, but not before affected batches were already distributed to stores across multiple states.
What Shoppers Should Do Right Now
Consumers are strongly advised to immediately check their refrigerators for any of the recalled products and to avoid eating them under any circumstances, even if the product looks or smells normal, since contamination may not be visible.
If you find a matching product, you should either throw it away or return it to Walmart for a full refund, with most stores not requiring a receipt for recalled items. Customers can also contact Saputo directly at 1-888-587-2423 for additional information or assistance.
Ultimately, this recall serves as an important reminder to stay informed about food safety alerts and to act quickly when they arise, as checking labels and following recall instructions can help prevent potential health risks for you and your family.
