Philadelphia, December 4, 2025
The FDA announced a recall of over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese due to potential metal contamination, affecting products sold in Philadelphia and 31 other states. Manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., consumers are advised not to consume the products and to return them for a refund. No injuries have been reported yet.
Philadelphia, PA – FDA Issues Recall for Shredded Cheese Due to Metal Contamination
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese products sold in Philadelphia and across 31 states, including Pennsylvania. The recall is due to potential contamination with metal fragments, posing a risk of injury to consumers.
Details of the Recall
The recall affects shredded cheese products manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., distributed under various private store-brand labels at major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Aldi. The affected products include:
- Low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella
- Italian-style shredded cheese blend
- Shredded pizza-style cheese blend
- Mozzarella and provolone shredded cheese blend
- Mozzarella and parmesan shredded cheese blend
The recall has been classified as a Class II recall, indicating that consumption of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with a low probability of serious adverse health consequences. Ingesting metal fragments can lead to injuries such as dental damage, lacerations of the mouth or throat, or perforation of the intestine.
States Affected
The recall impacts consumers in the following states and Puerto Rico:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Puerto Rico
Consumer Advisory
Consumers who have purchased the affected shredded cheese products are advised to:
- Do not consume the recalled products.
- Return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Contact the retailer or the FDA for further information.
For a complete list of the affected products and additional details, consumers can visit the FDA’s official website or contact the retailer where the product was purchased.
Background
Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. initiated the recall after discovering the potential contamination during routine quality control inspections. The FDA reclassified the recall from a “Class 1” to a “Class 2” recall, indicating a lower risk to consumer health. No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled products to date.
FDA’s Role in Food Safety
The FDA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply. The agency monitors and regulates food products, issuing recalls when potential health risks are identified. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food recalls and to follow guidance provided by the FDA and other health authorities.
Contact Information
For more information on the recall, consumers can visit the FDA’s website or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. The FDA also provides a consumer hotline for inquiries related to food recalls and safety concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the FDA recall about?
The FDA has announced a recall of over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese products sold in Philadelphia and across 31 states, including Pennsylvania, due to potential contamination with metal fragments.
Which products are affected by the recall?
The recall affects shredded cheese products manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., distributed under various private store-brand labels at major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Aldi. The affected products include low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella, Italian-style shredded cheese blend, shredded pizza-style cheese blend, mozzarella and provolone shredded cheese blend, and mozzarella and parmesan shredded cheese blend.
What should consumers do if they have purchased the recalled products?
Consumers who have purchased the affected shredded cheese products are advised to do not consume the recalled products, return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund, and contact the retailer or the FDA for further information.
Which states are affected by the recall?
The recall impacts consumers in the following states and Puerto Rico: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.
Has anyone reported illnesses or injuries related to the recalled products?
No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled products to date.
Key Features of the Recall
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall Issuer | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) |
| Manufacturer | Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. |
| Product Types Affected | Low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella, Italian-style shredded cheese blend, shredded pizza-style cheese blend, mozzarella and provolone shredded cheese blend, mozzarella and parmesan shredded cheese blend |
| Recall Classification | Class II |
| Reported Illnesses/Injuries | No reported illnesses or injuries |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
