Great Value Cottage Cheese Sold at Walmart May Not Have Been Fully Pasteurized, FDA Warns Shoppers in 24 States

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of select Great Value cottage cheese products on February 24, 2026, citing concerns that liquid dairy ingredients may not have been fully pasteurized as required by state standards. The FDA published the alert the following day. Products were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers across 24 states, and no illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported.

The Problem Was Caught During Internal Troubleshooting

The issue wasn’t caught by an outside party or consumer complaint. Saputo discovered the problem during its own pasteurizer troubleshooting process, conducted alongside the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The faulty pasteurizer has since been repaired, verified, and sealed by state regulators. No other products made at the facility were affected, according to the company’s announcement.

Three Cottage Cheese Varieties Are Included in the Recall

The recall covers three distinct Great Value products: Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese at 0% milkfat, Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese at 2% milkfat, and Small Curd Cottage Cheese at 4% milkfat minimum. All were sold in white plastic tubs with white lids. The best-by dates are printed on the side of each lid, making them the easiest place to start when checking your containers.

Here Are the Exact Sizes, UPC Numbers, and Expiration Dates

The 0% milkfat variety comes in a 24-ounce container with UPC 078742373393 and best-by dates of April 1 and April 3, 2026. The 2% milkfat version, also 24 ounces with UPC 078742116730, carries best-by dates from April 1 through April 3. The 4% milkfat product spans three sizes, including 16-ounce, 24-ounce, and 3-pound containers, with best-by dates ranging from April 1 to April 3, 2026.

Products Reached Stores Between February 17 and February 20

The affected cottage cheese was distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers during a four-day window, from February 17 to February 20, 2026. All three product types were shipped during that period. Shoppers who purchased Great Value cottage cheese around that time, particularly those in the 24 affected states, are encouraged to check their containers against the recalled UPC numbers and expiration dates before eating any of it.

These are the 24 States that Received the Recalled Products

Walmart locations across the following states received the affected products: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. If you live in any of these states and recently picked up Great Value cottage cheese at Walmart, it may be worth checking your container against the recalled products.

Unpasteurized Dairy Carries Real Health Risks for Some Groups

Saputo’s announcement noted that while no illnesses have been linked to the recall, consuming products that are not fully pasteurized can pose a significant health risk. The company pointed to vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, as those most at risk. Pasteurization works by deactivating harmful bacteria and reducing spoilage microorganisms that can be present in raw dairy ingredients.

Food Safety Recalls Have Been on the Rise Across the Country

Food safety recalls occur across the country for a range of reasons, from undeclared allergens to mislabeling and contamination risks. They can affect products across all categories, from packaged goods to refrigerated items. Pasteurization failures in dairy products are a concern, as they affect whether a product is safe to consume.

Saputo Has a Customer Hotline for Questions and Concerns

Consumers with questions about the recall can reach Saputo Cheese USA directly by calling 1-888-587-2423, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. Shoppers should not eat any of the recalled products and should either discard them or return them to their nearest Walmart location for a full refund.

What Shoppers Should Do Right Now

If you purchased Great Value cottage cheese at Walmart recently, check the lid for a best-by date between April 1 and April 3, 2026, then cross-reference the UPC number on your container with the recalled codes. If there is a match, do not eat it. Return it to Walmart for a refund or dispose of it safely. No illnesses have been tied to this recall, but keeping an eye on active recall lists is always a good habit.