Cottage Cheese Recalled Over Pasteurization Concern

This article was created with the assistance of generative AI. It was reviewed by editors before publication.

Walmart is voluntarily recalling select Great Value cottage cheese products because some liquid dairy ingredients used in the them may not have been fully pasteurized to meet state regulatory standards, according to a recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The issue was identified during a manufacturer-led troubleshooting exercise conducted by Saputo Cheese USA in conjunction with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

No illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported in connection with the recall, but the statement warned that consuming products that are not fully pasteurized can pose a significant health risks, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Which cottage cheese products are recalled?

The affected products were sold under Walmart’s Great Value label and shipped to stores and distribution centers between Feb. 17 and Feb. 20 in 24 states: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

According to the FDA notice, the recalled items were packaged in white plastic tubs with the “Best By” or “Best If Used By” date printed on the side of the lid. They are:

Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese — 0% Milkfat

• Size: 24-ounce
• UPC: 078742373393
• Best If Used By: April 1, 2026 and April 3, 2026

Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese — 2% Milkfat

• Size: 24-ounce
• UPC: 078742116730
• Best If Used By: April 1, 2026, April 2, 2026, and April 3, 2026

Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese — 4% milkfat

• Size: 16-ounce
• UPC: 078742372358
• Best If Used By: April 2, 2026
  
  
• Size: 24-ounce
• UPC: 078742372365
• Best If Used By: April 2, 2026 and April 3, 2026
  
  
• Size: 3-pound
• UPC: 078742147970
• Best If Used By: APR-01-26 and APR-02-26

What should consumers do?

Saputo offers the following guidance to consumers who purchased the affected products:

• Do not consume the recalled cottage cheese
• Dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Saputo said the impacted pasteurizer has returned to normal function and was verified and approved by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and that no other products produced in the facility were affected.

For more information, contact Saputo at 888-587-2423.

Dangers of consuming unpasteurized dairy products

Unpasteurized, or raw, dairy products can contain harmful germs that pasteurization is designed to eliminate and even careful farm practices can’t guarantee raw milk is safe.

Raw milk may expose consumers to pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter, among others, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Symptoms can range from diarrhea and vomiting to rare but serious complications, including kidney failure or paralysis-related conditions.

Groups more likely to experience severe illness include older adults age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.