More than one million bags of shredded cheese sold at popular retailers like Walmart, Target and Aldi have been recalled due to potential contamination, according to an FDA enforcement report.
Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese Co. initiated the ongoing recall on Oct. 3, and the FDA reclassified the recall to a “Class 1” on Dec. 1.
The recalled products were sold in more than 30 states under an array of brand names, including store brands such as Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Sprouts and Happy Farms.
Here’s what we know about the recall, including whether or not the products were sold in Illinois.
What cheese products are recalled?
The FDA report lists low-moisture part-skim mozzarella shredded cheese, individually packaged in plastic bags, under the following names:
Italian-style shredded cheese blend (low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, romano, fontina and asiago cheese), individually packaged in a plastic bag under the following names:
Pizza-style shredded cheese blend (containing low-moisture part-skim mozzarella and mild cheddar cheeses), individually packaged in a plastic bag, sold under the following names:
Mozzarella and provolone shredded cheese blend (containing low-moisture part-skim mozzarella and not-smoked provolone cheeses), individually packaged in a plastic bag, sold under the following names:
Mozzarella & Parmesan shredded cheese blend, individually packaged in a plastic bag, sold under the following names:
Why are cheese products being recalled?
The FDA announcement says the products are being voluntarily recalled due to a potential contamination with metal fragments.
What is a Class 1 recall?
The FDA defines a Class I recall as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
It is the most serious type of recall, according to the administration.
Where were recalled cheeses sold? Did Illinois stores carry products?
According to the FDA, the cheese was distributed in the following U.S. states and Puerto Rico:
What to do with recalled cheeses
The FDA generally advises that consumers return recalled food products to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also dispose of the product in the trash, according to the federal agency.
According to the FDA, consumers should not give recalled products to others, especially a food bank or a pet.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: FDA says these shredded cheese products could have metal fragments in them
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
