Cottage Cheese Sold in 24 States Recalled After FDA Flags Potential Danger
Federal health officials have announced a widespread recall of cottage cheese sold under the Great Value label in Walmart stores across 24 U.S. states after discovering that some dairy ingredients used in the product may not have been fully pasteurized, raising potential health risks, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people and others with weakened immune systems. The recall was issued after Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and regulators including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified the issue during equipment checks, prompting retailers to remove the affected products from shelves and urging consumers to check home refrigerators and freezers. While no illnesses have been reported so far, authorities stress that unpasteurized or partially pasteurized dairy products can allow harmful bacteria to survive, making it important for consumers to take action if they happen to have the recalled items at home.
Which Cottage Cheese Products Are Recalled
The recall affects several varieties and sizes of Great Value brand cottage cheese, all of which were sold in white plastic tubs with white lids between February 17 and February 20, 2026 at Walmart stores and distribution centers across 24 states. The recalled items include Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese (0% milkfat, 24 oz) with UPC 078742373393 and best-by dates of April 1 or April 3, 2026, Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese (2% milkfat, 24 oz) with UPC 078742116730 and best-by dates of April 1-3, 2026, and several sizes of Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese (4% milkfat minimum) including 16 oz (UPC 078742372358), 24 oz (UPC 078742372365) and 3 lb (UPC 078742147970) containers with best-by dates ranging from April 1-April 3, 2026.
Why the Recall Happened
According to the FDA, the recall was prompted by the possibility that liquid dairy ingredients used in the recalled cottage cheese were not fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards, meaning that harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella or E. coli could survive in the products and pose health risks if consumed. The issue was identified during pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises at the Saputo production facility in coordination with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and once detected, officials moved quickly to initiate the recall and remove affected products from store inventories nationwide.
Which States Sold the Recalled Cheese
The recalled Great Value cottage cheese was sold in Walmart stores and distribution centers in a broad swath of the country, including Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, meaning that consumers in urban and rural areas alike should check their refrigerators for the affected products and take appropriate action if found.
Health Risks of Improperly Pasteurized Dairy
Pasteurization heats dairy products to temperatures that kill harmful bacteria, and when this process is incomplete or improperly performed, pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella or E. coli can persist, posing serious health risks that may lead to foodborne illness, especially in vulnerable populations, with symptoms like fever, nausea, diarrhea or more severe complications requiring medical treatment if infection occurs.
Action Consumers Should Take
If you have purchased any of the recalled cottage cheese products, do not eat them, even if they look and smell normal, and instead dispose of them safely or return them to the Walmart store where they were bought for a full refund. To make sure you have an affected item, compare the brand, size, UPC code and best-by dates listed in the recall against what is printed on your container. You can also call Saputo’s customer support at 1-888-587-2423 for more information.
No Reported Illnesses Yet
As of the announcement, federal health authorities say that no confirmed illnesses or hospitalizations have been linked to the recalled cottage cheese, but they caution that infections from contaminated dairy products may not appear immediately and can take days or weeks to develop after consumption. Officials remind consumers that taking swift action to check and remove the affected products helps minimize risk and protect family members.
Retailer and Manufacturer Response
Walmart and Saputo Cheese USA Inc. are cooperating with the FDA to ensure that all affected cottage cheese tubs are pulled from store shelves and distribution centers, and they have posted recall alerts at Walmart locations and online resources to inform customers about the issue, underscoring their effort to safeguard public health while handling the situation transparently.
Importance of Monitoring Food Recalls
This recall highlights the importance of staying informed about food safety alerts and recall notices, especially for perishable, ready-to-eat items like dairy products that bypass further cooking, as timely awareness and action can help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that families are not exposed to potentially contaminated foods in their homes.
Dangers of Listeria Contamination
In conclusion, the recall of Great Value cottage cheese sold in 24 states following concerns about incomplete pasteurization underscores how even common grocery items can pose unexpected health risks, and by checking product labels for specific UPCs, sizes and best-by dates and taking prompt action to return or discard affected containers, consumers can help protect themselves and their families while supporting ongoing food safety efforts by manufacturers and regulators.
